Fitness and Screen Time at Age 13 Relates to Academic Performance at Age 16

• DOI: 10.1111/apa.70024
• Publication Date: 2025-02-13T11:16:09Z
• Authors: Karin Kjellenberg; Björg Helgadóttir; Örjan Ekblom; Gisela Nyberg
• Keywords: Odds; Affect; Stepwise regression; Screen Time

ABSTRACT Aim Investigate the longitudinal relationship between physical activity, organised fitness, screen time and academic performance among Swedish adolescents. Methods Data from 1139 adolescents at age 13, included vigorous activity (accelerometry), fitness (submaximal ergometer test), participation (self‐reported) (math grades ages 13 16 registry). Academic was categorised as A–D (higher or pass) E, F (fail at‐risk of failing). Multilevel logistic regression models were used to examine relationships while adjusting for gender, parental education, country birth 13. Results Higher associated with increased odds receiving (OR: 1.04 per mL, 99% CI 1.00, 1.07, p = 0.003). High during weekdays reduced 0.40, 0.20, 0.81, 0.001) compared low time. Conclusion end compulsory school (age 16) related 3 years earlier. These findings create a paradigm future randomised controlled trials explore how influencing these factors might affect performance.