Staten Island Pediatrician Responds To Study Linking Academic Performance With Physical Fitness

BOHEMIA, N.Y., June 27, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Dr. Michael Gabriel of GPM Pediatrics, a Staten Island Pediatric Center, responds to an article, "Improving academic performance with physical fitness" published by Medical News Today. The article discusses a recent study scheduled for publication in The Journal of Pediatrics, which found a link between physical fitness and academic performance.

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The article states, "Cardiorespiratory capacity, muscular strength, and motor ability are components of physical fitness that have documented potential to improve health, each of which may have different effects on the brain and, therefore, academic performance." The study looked at 2,038 children and adolescents between the ages of 6-18 with "complete data on physical fitness, body composition, and academic performance."

The study found, "Cardiorespiratory capacity and motor ability, both independently and combined, were related to academic performance. However, the association of academic performance and physical fitness was stronger for motor ability than cardiorespiratory capacity, meaning that motor ability may be more important for academic performance. In contrast, children and adolescents who had both lower levels of cardiorespiratory capacity and motor ability had lower grades."

Dr. Michael Gabriel, a Staten Island pediatrician, thinks that this study has great implications for future research. "It is well known that physical fitness has an effect on mental health and physical health but this research suggests that there can also be a link between academic performance and that is very interesting for the medical community." Dr. Gabriel asks parents to encourage their children to be active for at least an hour a day. "Whether or not future studies agree with this finding, keeping your child active is extremely important for their overall wellbeing. The summer is a great time to come up with fun games to get your child outside playing instead of sitting sedentary front of a television screen. Kids need to keep both their body and brain stimulated over the summer and physical activity is a great way to do so."

GPM Pediatrics provides comprehensive pediatric care to children throughout the New York area with practices both in Brooklyn and Staten Island. Our board certified pediatricians and experienced staff help provide a very warm and nurturing environment for both you and your children. Our approach combines the latest treatment methods with the personal attention you should expect from your doctor. Simply put, we understand the importance of communication and trust and we are earning that trust one family at a time.

Media Contact: Scott Darrohn, GPM Pediatrics, 855-347-4228, [email protected]

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SOURCE GPM Pediatrics