Beneficios de la actividad física sobre el rendimiento académico en adolescentes: revisión bibliográfica

Abstract

The lack of physical activity among adolescents is a global issue, resulting from various factors, including limited access to sports facilities, the misuse of technology, and insufficient family support, among others. This situation leads to physical, mental, and social health problems. This study aims to analyze the benefits of physical activity on academic performance through a literature review, in order to better understand its influence on students’ academic outcomes. A qualitative-descriptive methodology was used, based on the review of articles published within the last ten years. The inclusion criteria were: scientific articles, documents in English and Spanish, publications from 2015 to the present, intervention studies, and theses. Exclusion criteria included: incomplete documents, studies involving samples outside the adolescent age range, and research unrelated to the topic or lacking a clear connection between the study variables. The main findings indicate that after-school physical activities and aerobic exercise improve oxygenation, thereby increasing adolescents’ attention, memory, and concentration. Research studies show that adolescents who practice physical activity regularly have better grades, greater ability to concentrate, and lower incidence of emotional problems. The conclusions obtained serve as a foundation for future actions and research aimed at improving adolescent education and health, thus strengthening knowledge in these essential areas. Keywords: Physical activity, academic performance, adolescents