Academic performance and physical activity among rural high school learners in South Africa

This study ascertained the relationship between Physical Activity (PA) and Academic Performance (AP) among rural high school learners in South Africa. A cross-sectional design was used to determine the relationships between PA and AP among high school learners. AP data were collected from 275 Grade 12 learners using standardised tests for English and Mathematics, while PA data were collected using the Youth Physical Activity Questionnaire (YPAQ) and were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results show a positive relationship between PA and AP, which may have far-reaching implications in high schools.