The Impact of Time and Energy Expenditure in Physical Activity on Academic Performance

A Mixed-Methods Study

Dados Bibliográficos

ID22006993
AutoresJiali Qian (0000-0002-9651-0886, Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Lei Xu (0009-0000-3744-0753, Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Jiamei Liang (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Kun Wang (0000-0002-6199-4315, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, autor correspondente), Chun Xie (0000-0003-4083-2891, Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Peisi Wang (Shanghai Jiao Tong University)
Ano2025
Volume15
Fascículo4
Data de publicação2025-10-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoSAGE Open (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 2158-2440 • E-ISSN: 2158-2440
EditoraSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/21582440251365434
OpenAlexW4415686204
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas37

In the modern knowledge economy, students often face the challenge of balancing academic responsibilities with physical activity, which may influence academic performance depending on the time and energy invested. Despite existing studies, there is still a lack of clarity regarding the impact of time and energy expenditure in physical activity on academic performance, especially in terms of how time is allocated between study and physical activity. To comprehensively investigate the relationship between physical activity and academic performance, the purpose of this study was to examine how time allocation and energy expenditure on physical activity influence university students’ academic success, a parallel mixed-methods research design. From a quantitative perspective, a questionnaire was conducted with 845 university students to measure physical activity duration, energy consumption, and GPA. From a qualitative perspective, 20 university students with a physical activity routine were selected as cases to discuss the impact of physical activity on academic performance. The quantitative findings underscore that physical activity does not significantly negatively impact university students’ academic performance. On the contrary, dedicating an appropriate amount of time and effort to physical activity may yield potential positive effects. Similarly, the qualitative results reinforce these benefits, indicating that engaging in physical activity promotes effective time management (e.g., time optimization and scheduling) and stress reduction, indirectly supporting academic success. Additionally, long-term participation in physical activity improves overall physical health and cognitive abilities, both of which are critical for academic achievement

CLARITY · Cognition · Energy expenditure · Physical activity · Physical activity level · Physical exercise · Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports · Perfectionism, Procrastination, Anxiety Studies · Physical Activity and Health