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Vol.15, No.2, 2023, BECE 1813 

 

 

 

 

The Impact of Physical Exercise on Adolescent 

Academic Performance: An Empirical Analysis 

Based on the China Education Panel 

Survey 2014-2015 

By Li, C. 
Correspondence to: Chunguang Li, Beijing Youth Politics College, China. E-

mail: editorial-office@bonoi.org  

UE to the traditional idea of “academic development outweighing phys-

ical activity” and the public misunderstanding of the effect of physical 

exercise on student academic performance, physical exercise is typically giv-

en the lowest priority in Chinese educational system. This has substantially 

restricted the time allotted to physical activity in teenagers, posing a negative 

impact on adolescent physical and mental health. This article is a systematic 

analysis of the influence of physical exercise on teenager academic achieve-

ment and the potential influence mechanism, based on data from the China 

Education Panel Survey 2014-2015.  

The study finds that: 

i. Both standardized test scores and parental evaluation results 

show that the number of times of physical exercise per week 

is positively correlated with adolescent academic perfor-

mance, indicating that physical activity is not only benefi-

cial for their physical fitness but also for their cognitive at-

tainment. 

ii. Socio-psychological factors such as psychological state, ed-

ucation expectations, confidence in the future, and academic 

resilience act as a robust mediator for the relation between 

physical exercise and academic performance among adoles-

cents. Physical fitness may play a mediating role, though 

not a stable one. Physical stamina does not play a mediating 

role, likely because Chinese basic education overly empha-

sizes student cognitive ability and is intensely competitive. 

Therefore, in the Chinese context, physical exercise helps improve 

adolescents’ academic performance through its impact on their socio-

psychological state rather than their physical stamina and fitness. Strength-

ened academic resilience, alleviated stressful emotions, and improved mental 

health are the direct results brought on by physical exercise. Educational au-

thorities, schools, and families should foster a more balanced view of “aca-

D 

mailto:editorial-office@bonoi.org


 

Vol.15, No.2, 2023, BECE 1814 

demic development and physical activity” and place more importance on ad-

olescent physical exercise while conducting investment and resource distri-

bution in education which is traditionally centered around student academic 

achievement.  

 
Source: Education Research Monthly, 2023; 2023(06):67-74. 


