ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SOMATIC BUILD, PHYSICAL FITNESS, AND COGNITIVE ABILITIES WITH CONSIDERATION OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS IN SCHOOL YOUTH AGED 13-18 YEARS

<ns3:p>Background: Modern society is struggling with increasing stress, educational and professional pressures, and lifestyle changes that negatively affect physical, mental, and cognitive health. Physical activity plays a key role in improving health by supporting cognitive function, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, and enhancing mental well-being. Particularly among young people, physical activity fosters the development of cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, and planning, which translates into better educational outcomes. This article analyzes the correlation between somatic structure, physical fitness, and the cognitive abilities of students aged 13 to 18. The aim of the study is to assess the correlation between somatic structure, physical fitness level, and cognitive abilities in a group of secondary school students. Methods: The study involved 104 students (53 females and 51 males) aged 13–18 from a high school in Rzeszów, Poland. A personal questionnaire, the D-2r test, and the Alpha fitness test were used. Data analysis was based on the Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman’s rank correlation. Results: No significant correlations were found between components of physical fitness and cognitive abilities or grades in subjects such as Polish, Mathematics, and English. Conclusions: Despite the lack of correlation between physical fitness and cognitive abilities, including academic achievement in the studied group, it is worth expanding and exploring this area of research. Students with normal BMI, body fat percentage, and WHR and WHtR ratios exhibited lower body fat levels and a favorable somatic profile.</ns3:p>