VOA标准英语2012--Physical Activity Linked to School Achievement

Physical Activity Linked to School Achievement

 

Pushing aside physical education to focus on academic subjects, such as math or reading, could have a negative impact on achievement, according to new reseach which finds physically¹-active students do better academically.

Combining the results of previous studies from North America and South Africa - including more than 55,000 children, ages six to 18 - researchers at VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam found a link between physical activity and progress in school.

"Based on the results of our study we can conclude that being physically active is beneficial for academic performance," says lead researcher Amika Singh, adding there may be a biological explanation for that. "There are, first, physiological² explanations, like more blood flow, and so more oxygen to the brain. Being physically active means there are more hormones³ produced like endorphins, and endorphins make your stress level lower and your mood improved, which means you also perform better."

Amsterdam researchers have found being physically active benefits academic performance.

Also, for those getting exercise from organized sports, learning rules and how to follow them may improve classroom behavior and concentration.

Because of differences among the studies, Singh says it is not possible to say whether the amount or kind of activity affected⁴ the extent of academic improvement. But given the general finding - that physically active kids are more likely to do better academically - she says educators should take that into consideration before cutting fitness programs in schools.

1 physically   

adj.物质上，体格上，身体上，按自然规律

参考例句：

• He was out of sorts physically,as well as disordered mentally.他浑身不舒服，心绪也很乱。
• Every time I think about it I feel physically sick.一想起那件事我就感到极恶心。

2 physiological   

adj.生理学的，生理学上的

参考例句：

• He bought a physiological book.他买了一本生理学方面的书。
• Every individual has a physiological requirement for each nutrient.每个人对每种营养成分都有一种生理上的需要。

3 hormones   

n. 荷尔蒙，激素 名词hormone的复数形式

参考例句：

• This hormone interacts closely with other hormones in the body. 这种荷尔蒙与体內其他荷尔蒙紧密地相互作用。
• The adrenals produce a large per cent of a man's sex hormones. 肾上腺分泌人体的大部分性激素。

4 affected   

adj.不自然的，假装的

参考例句：

• She showed an affected interest in our subject.她假装对我们的课题感到兴趣。
• His manners are affected.他的态度不自然。