Association between physical fitness and lifestyles with academic achievement in chilean high school students

Academic achievement plays a key role in access to higher education, influenced by psychological, biological, and social factors. Physical fitness and healthy lifestyles are positively associated with cognitive functions, potentially improving academic achievement. This study is descriptive-correlational and has an observational cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 145 students (46 women and 99 men). Data collection included anthropometric measurements, physical fitness tests, and lifestyle assessments. Academic achievement was measured using participants’ final averages in some matters. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed key factors influencing academic achievement across matters. For language (R² = 0.216), higher achievement was associated with female students (β =-0.246; p = 0.033), lower BMI (β =-0.047; p = 0.016), better flexibility (Scratch Test: β = 0.024; p = 0.024), and lower physical activity levels (β =-0.263; p = 0.001). In mathematics (R² = 0.101), better achievement was related to lower physical activity levels (β =-0.403; p = 0.003) and superior performance in the jump with feet together (β = 0.008; p = 0.047). For English (R² = 0.146), higher achievement correlated with lower physical activity levels (β =-0.369; p = 0.002), lower BMI (β =-0.058; p = 0.081), and better sleep quality (β = 0.058; p = 0.020). Academic achievement is influenced by factors such as a lower BMI, better flexibility, superior performance in horizontal jump, sleep quality, and reduced physical activity levels. These findings emphasize the multifactorial nature of academic success, highlighting the importance of physical fitness, mental health, and lifestyle factors.