The Effectiveness of Integrating Physical Activity in Primary School Environments. A Literature Review

Abstract

The presence of physical activity in primary school classrooms has been shown to provide better learning outcomes when comparing situations that have or have not integrated physical activity. Physical activity can be defined in many ways; in this study, we will categorise physical activity as movement, physical education, and non-sedentary time. How physical activity is integrated in different parts of the world varies greatly. In this study, we aim to explore the different methods of integrating physical activity in a primary school context, the effectiveness of physical activity on increasing academic achievements and students’ well-being. Presenting two case studies of Finland and Macau respectively, their methods are compared in incorporating physical activity in an educational context and their respective results, as well as their aims and purposes of doing so. According to research conducted on the two listed locations, there is a positive relationship between physical activity and learning outcomes, in which the latter is supported by the former in this study. Physical activity has also shown to benefit physical health, mental health, reducing obesity rates and developing motor skills.