Physical activity as a strategy to improve academic performance and students' socio-emotional well-being

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63688/bp88er10

Keywords:

physical activity, academic performance, socio-emotional well-being, mental health, physical education

Abstract

Physical activity is a fundamental educational strategy for promoting students' holistic development due to its cognitive, academic, and socio-emotional benefits. This study aimed to analyze, based on scientific evidence published between 2005 and 2025, the influence of physical activity on academic performance and students' socio-emotional well-being. The research was conducted through a systematic literature review with a qualitative descriptive approach and quantitative support, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Twenty-one articles published between 2005 and 2025 were analyzed, retrieved from databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, PubMed, ERIC, and Google Scholar. The findings show that regular physical activity enhances cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and concentration, positively contributing to academic achievement. Likewise, physical activity was found to strengthen self-esteem, emotional regulation, social skills, and mental health while reducing stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. It is concluded that the systematic incorporation of physical activities into educational settings represents an effective strategy for improving learning outcomes, socio-emotional well-being, and students' quality of life.

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Published

2026-06-24

How to Cite

Jati Vaca, J. D. ., Guevara Masqui, M. V. ., Rubio Vargas, E. R. ., Saltos Pomboza, A. S. ., & Rojas Dávila, E. O. . (2026). Physical activity as a strategy to improve academic performance and students’ socio-emotional well-being. Sage Sphere of Technology, Sciences, Discoveries And Society, 4(1), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.63688/bp88er10