Age differences in the relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement in Japanese children

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement in Japanese children, and to clarify age differences in the relationship. We used average data from forty-seven prefectures. Survey items included physical fitness (Japan Fitness Test: eight items) and academic achievement (Japanese and Mathematics). Results of multiple-group analysis by structural equation modeling suggested that 1) there were moderate associations with academic achievement and physical fitness except for grip strength and ball throwing among elementary school children and junior high school students, and 2) there was no significant difference across age groups in the relationships.