Physical Activity Increases Oxidative Stress Biomarker and Enhance the Academic Performance in Primary School Children

This study aimed to develop a conceptual model to examine the relationship between physical activity (PA), oxidative stress biomarkers, and academic performance. A total of 200 primary school children (100 boys and 100 girls), aged 10–11 years, were randomly assigned to four groups: boys with exercise (boy+Ex), boys without exercise (boy+nonEx), girls with exercise (girl+Ex), and girls without exercise (girl+nonEx). Participants underwent a 12-week treadmill-based running program. Oxidative stress was evaluated through lipid peroxidation by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Academic stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale, while academic performance was measured in relation to attention and stress levels. There were significant differences in the concentrations of MDA (mmol/ L) between boy+Ex compared to boy+non Ex, however, the mean MDA in boy +Ex were significantly higher than that in girl +Ex (P<0.01). There was a significant increasing in TC >200mg/dl in boy+Ex compared to boy+non Ex. The mean concentrations of TC significantly differed between the boy+Ex compared to girl+Ex. No significant differences were found in the concentrations of LDL >100mg/dl, HDL and TG >150mg/dl <40mg/dl among groups. No statistical differences were showed in academic stress levels between boys and girls. Although, the performance was significantly higher in the girl+Ex group compared to the boy+Ex group. Academic stress levels did not differ significantly by gender, whereas academic performance was significantly higher in the girl+Ex group. The findings suggest that oxidative stress is not directly associated with academic achievement, while physical activity demonstrates an independent relationship with academic performance in primary school children.