Relation between maximum aerobic capacity with cognitive ability and academic performance

Higher education plays an important role in the development of human resources and professional expertise. However, academic failure could expose families and governments with numerous scientific, cultural and economic problems. Identification of important factors relevant to academic achievement requires further researches. Regular physical exercise is among the most important contributor of a healthy lifestyle which is known to be associated with better performance. Physical ability with intermediation of cognitive ability leads to academic achievement. This study is a step towards assessing this hypothesis by evaluating direct and indirect effects of aerobic capacity on students’ academic performance.
350 bachelor students of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences were participated in this study. After studying and signing consent form, they completed Faam and Taylor Academic Performance Questionnaire and accomplished complex Stroop Cognitive Test as well as Chester Step Test. Data was analyzed using "SPSS22" through path analysis.
Pearson correlation test showed a positive and significant relationship between physical ability with cognitive ability and academic performance. Path analysis showed that the maximum aerobic capacity had an overall causal effect of 0.505 on academic performance while its mediated effect by cognitive ability was 0.054.
In line with previous researches, positive relationship between physical ability, cognitive ability and academic performance were approved. The maximum aerobic capacity can affect academic performace. However, if other possible intermediate variables (not yet identified) are correctly identified and located in this template, total effect coefficient of maximum aerobic capacity on academic performance will increases and consolidation of current template will promote.