Aerobic fitness, micronutrient status, and academic achievement in Indian school-aged children

Introduction:  Aerobic fitness has been shown to have beneficial effects on child health. However, research on its relationship with academic performance has been limited, particularly in developing countries such as India. This study examined the association between aerobic fitness and academic achievement in clinically healthy but nutritionally compromised urban Indian children and assessed whether micronutrient status confounds this relationship.

Methods:  Participants between the ages of 7 and 10.5 years (n=273) were enrolled in three primary schools in Bangalore, India. Data on participants’ aerobic fitness (20-m shuttle test), demographics, anthropometry, diet, physical activity, and micronutrient status were abstracted. Standardized school-wide exam results in mathematics and Kannada, the official language of the Indian state of Karnataka, served as indicators of academic performance. The strength of the fitness/achievement association was analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation, multivariate logistic regression, and multilevel models.

Results:  Modest positive correlations between aerobic capacity and academic scores in math and Kannada were observed (P < 0.05). The odds of scoring above average on math and Kannada exams increased as aerobic fitness increased (OR=1.08, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.15 and OR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.18, respectively), holding school, gender, socioeconomic status, and weight status (BMI Z-score) constant. Deficiencies in several micronutrients did not modify this association.

Discussion: The findings provide preliminary evidence of a fitness/achievement association in Indian children. Although further research is necessary, promoting aerobic fitness among Indian children may support their performance in school.