Academic performance and sports habit in university students

Introduction: academic performance (AP) is a key indicator of learning, influenced by factors such as physical activity (PA), time allocation, and family environment. However, the specific relationship between sports habits and AP in university students requires further exploration. This study analyzes this association in first-semester students of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Technical University of Ambato.Objective: to identify the relationship between sports habits and academic performance in a sample of 289 university students.Methods: a cross-sectional design was used, applying the IPAQ questionnaire and a sociodemographic survey to assess PA. The sample included students aged 18 to 20 years, excluding those who practiced less than 60 minutes of exercise per week or had a BMI greater than 25. The data were analyzed with the SPSS statistical package to determine correlations between the main variables.Results: physically active students showed a significantly higher academic average (7,86) than those who were inactive (3,59). Football was the most practiced sport (10,11 %), followed by basketball (6,91 %), while 60 minutes per week was the predominant exercise time. The Pearson correlation (0,593) indicated a moderate association between sports habits and academic performance.Conclusion: A positive and significant relationship was determined between sports habit and RA, although conditioned by factors such as the transition to university life. It is recommended to encourage participation in sports activities and increase the time dedicated to PA to consolidate its academic and cognitive benefits.