Effect of structured physical activity on intelligence in underperforming school students

Vishnupriya R.; Kannan D.; Anantharaj K.; Poovarasan Murugaiyan; Yamini Umasankar; Diovin Derose Vianni; Prathap Suganthirababu

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20253956

Authors

Vishnupriya R. Department of Physiotherapy, JKK Munirajah Medical Research Foundation College of Physiotherapy, Komarapalayam and TN Dr. MGR Medical University Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Kannan D. Department of Physiotherapy, JKK Munirajah Medical Research Foundation College of Physiotherapy, Komarapalayam and TN Dr. MGR Medical University Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Anantharaj K. Department of Physiotherapy, JKK Munirajah Medical Research Foundation College of Physiotherapy, Komarapalayam and TN Dr. MGR Medical University Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Poovarasan Murugaiyan Department of Physiotherapy, Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Yamini Umasankar Department of Physiotherapy, Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Diovin Derose Vianni Department of Physiotherapy, Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Prathap Suganthirababu Department of Physiotherapy, Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20253956

Keywords:

General physical activity, School students, Bhatia battery test of intelligence, Structured physical activity, Underperforming students

Abstract

Background: Poor academic performance in some children often stems from lack of concentration. Traditional measures like extra classes and repeated tests show questionable effectiveness. Exercise, however, may offer an alternative, as it enhances cognitive skills and academic performance. This study aims to examine the effect of structured physical activity (SPA) on intelligence in underperforming school students.

Methods: This experimental study was conducted among VI-X standard students from schools in Komarapalayam, Namakkal district. Eligible participants were 11-15 years old, full-time students from middle or low socio-economic groups. From 220 screened students (168 boys, 52 girls), 50 were selected. After obtaining parental consent, they were randomly allocated into two groups: SPA, n=25; 15 boys, 10 girls and general PA (GPA, n=25; 17 boys, 8 girls). The intervention was integrated into the school curriculum. Outcomes measured were intelligence (Bhatia battery test) and endurance, assessed at baseline and at alternate weeks over an 8-week period. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: The result of the study shows considerable significance in both groups, where there is a remarkable improvement in the SPA group with t value of 7.67 (p<0.005), compared with GPA with t value of 8.44 (p<0.005).

Conclusions: This study concluded that SPA improves the activity on intelligence in underperforming school students when it was compared with regular PA.

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