Research: Physical Activity and Academic Performance

University students often struggle to balance study, work and social commitments, resulting in low levels of physical activity despite its well-established benefits for health and learning. Researchers from a German University examined the day-to-day relationship between physical activity, stress, recovery and academic performance among university students during a 10-day study period. Students who engaged in more leisure-time physical activity reported lower stress, better recovery, improved concentration and greater perceived study ability, while even short exercise breaks during study improved stress levels and academic performance. The findings suggest that physical activity is not only a health behaviour but also a practical strategy for supporting student wellbeing and learning outcomes. For Australian universities, the research highlights an opportunity to strengthen student success, wellbeing and retention initiatives by embedding and promoting physical activity in both campus life and study environments.

Citation: Teuber, M., Leyhr, D., Sudeck, G. Physical activity improves stress load, recovery, and academic performance-related parameters among university students: A longitudinal study on daily level. BMC Public Health. 2024. (link)