The Effect of Resistance Training on Academic Performance
Key insights: 60-second read
- More days of muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) are linked to better academic performance - a study of 67,281 Chinese students found progressive benefits up to 4-5 days per week.
- 4 days of MSE per week showed the strongest association - 42% higher odds of better Maths performance, 31-39% for English and Chinese compared to no MSE.
- Benefits apply across three core subjects - Chinese (Literacy), Mathematics, and English (Language) all showed positive associations with MSE frequency.
- More is not always better - 6-7 days per week showed slightly lower odds than 4-5 days, suggesting a potential optimal range.
- Associations remained significant after controlling for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) - MSE appears to offer unique benefits beyond general activity.
As a physiotherapist, I often use resistance training as a way to resolve pain and injury. But what else might it improve?
While we have known for years that general physical activity supports brain health, a new large-scale study has examined something more specific: muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE) and its association with academic performance in Chinese, Mathematics and English.
The findings are worth paying attention to. Not because exercise replaces studying, but because it may create a biological and behavioural environment where learning comes more easily.
"More days of participation in MSE were associated with better academic performance across three core subjects: Chinese, Mathematics and English."
On this page
What is muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE)?
Muscle-strengthening exercise refers to activities specifically aimed at enhancing muscle power and endurance. This includes push-ups, sit-ups, squats, lunges, resistance band work, and age-appropriate weightlifting. It is distinct from aerobic exercise (like running or swimming) or recreational sports.
The World Health Organization currently recommends that children and adolescents aged 5-17 years should participate in at least three days of MSE per week. However, until now, evidence linking MSE specifically to academic outcomes has been limited.
About the study: design and participants
This research, published in the Journal of Exercise Science and Fitness, analysed data from 67,281 school-aged students in Shenzhen, China. Participants were in grades 5-6 (primary school), grades 7-8 (junior middle school), and grades 10-11 (high school).
67,281 students
135 schools
48.1% girls, 51.9% boys
Mean age: 13 years (range 10-18)
Students self-reported their engagement in MSE over the past seven days, as well as their grades (A through F) in Chinese, Mathematics, and English from the previous semester's final examination. The analysis controlled for multiple factors including sex, grade level, body mass index, family socioeconomic status, parental education, sleep duration, screen time, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
Key findings: MSE and academic performance
The results showed a generally progressive increase in the likelihood of better academic performance with more days of MSE per week, compared to students who did no MSE. Importantly, these associations remained significant even after controlling for MVPA, suggesting that MSE offers unique benefits beyond general physical activity.
Mathematics performance
The odds of enhanced performance in Mathematics increased progressively with more days of MSE:
- 1 day per week: 9% higher odds (OR = 1.09)
- 2 days per week: 18% higher odds (OR = 1.18)
- 3 days per week: 27% higher odds (OR = 1.27)
- 4 days per week: 39% higher odds (OR = 1.39) - peak benefit
- 5 days per week: 33% higher odds (OR = 1.33)
- 7 days per week: 24% higher odds (OR = 1.24)
"The odds of enhanced academic performance related to Mathematics increased progressively with increases in days of MSE, starting with a 9% increase for 1 day per week and continuing to increase until MSE for 4 days per week."
Chinese (Literacy) performance
A similar pattern emerged for Chinese language performance:
- 1 day per week: 11% higher odds (OR = 1.11)
- 4 days per week: 42% higher odds (OR = 1.42)
- 6 days per week: 64% higher odds (OR = 1.64) - highest observed
- 7 days per week: 40% higher odds (OR = 1.40)
English (Language) performance
For English performance, the pattern was similar with peak benefits at 5 days:
- 1 day per week: 9% higher odds (OR = 1.09)
- 4 days per week: 31% higher odds (OR = 1.31)
- 5 days per week: 36% higher odds (OR = 1.36) - peak benefit
- 7 days per week: 25% higher odds (OR = 1.25)
The optimal frequency: more is not always better
One of the most interesting findings is that the association between MSE and academic performance was not linear at the upper end. While benefits increased from 0 to 4-5 days per week, the odds ratios for 6 and 7 days were generally lower than the peak values.
This suggests there may be a "sweet spot" for MSE frequency. Performing MSE 4-5 days per week showed the strongest associations with better grades, while daily MSE was associated with slightly lower odds. This pattern was consistent across all three subjects.
The study authors note that while this study focused on frequency, other attributes of MSE such as intensity and duration may provide additional insights. Future research is needed to explore these factors.
How might MSE improve academic performance?
The study authors propose several plausible mechanisms, though they emphasise that these require further research specifically for MSE rather than general physical activity.
Neurobiological pathways
Moderate-intensity MSE may boost neurotrophic factors such as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). These proteins are crucial for brain health and are linked to improved executive functions, which are key for planning, organising, and solving academic challenges.
Behavioural pathways
Regular MSE can lead to better sleep quality and enhanced self-regulation skills. These improvements could translate into better classroom behaviour and increased ability to focus on academic tasks.
What the authors said
"Even after controlling for MVPA, the association between MSE and academic performance in children and adolescents remains significant. This reinforces the potential of MSE in improving academic outcomes."
Subgroup findings: who benefits most?
The study also examined associations by sex and grade level. In general, the associations remained significant across most subgroups. The one exception was that among high school students, the association between MSE days and Chinese performance was not statistically significant. The authors note this finding was unexpected and requires clarification in future studies.
Important limitations to consider
As a physiotherapist who values evidence-informed practice, I want to be clear about what this study can and cannot tell us.
Cross-sectional design - This study measured MSE and academic performance at the same point in time. It cannot establish causation. It is possible that students who do better academically are also more likely to engage in MSE, or that a third factor (such as parental support or self-discipline) influences both.
Self-reported data - Both MSE frequency and grades were self-reported, which may introduce recall bias or social desirability bias. Students may overreport exercise or underreport lower grades.
Single region - The study was conducted in Shenzhen, China. While the sample is large, findings may not generalise to other cultural or educational contexts.
Measurement of MSE - The question asked about "activities aimed at strengthening or toning muscles" but did not capture intensity, duration, or specific exercises. Some participants may have had difficulty distinguishing MSE from other physical activities.
"The cross-sectional design of the study precludes the establishment of causal relationships. Future refined research is necessary to elucidate the causal relationship between days of MSE and academic performance."
What this means for parents, teachers and health professionals
Despite the limitations, this study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that physical activity, and specifically muscle-strengthening exercise, may support cognitive function and academic outcomes in children and adolescents.
The World Health Organization already recommends at least three days of MSE per week for young people. This study suggests that aiming for 4-5 days per week may be associated with the strongest academic benefits, at least in the subjects studied.
For parents and teachers, this does not mean replacing study time with exercise. Rather, it suggests that incorporating regular strength-based activities into a child's weekly routine may create a supportive environment for learning. This could include bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and planks, resistance band work, or age-appropriate gym-based activities under proper supervision.
As the authors conclude: "This study advocates that parents and teachers should play a significant role in encouraging children and adolescents to engage in MSE. It also suggests that health professionals could integrate MSE into physical activity programs within educational and community settings."
One key insight from the research
"Children and adolescents who engaged more frequently in muscle-strengthening exercise tended to report higher academic performance across Chinese, Mathematics and English. The association remained significant even after controlling for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, suggesting MSE offers unique benefits beyond general activity."
Frequently asked questions
Does this mean MSE causes better grades?
Not necessarily. This study shows an association, not causation. It is possible that students who do MSE are also more disciplined, have more supportive home environments, or possess other characteristics that lead to both more exercise and better grades. However, the findings are consistent with other research on physical activity and brain health, and they controlled for many potential confounding factors.
How many days of MSE per week is optimal?
Based on this study, 4-5 days per week showed the strongest associations with better academic performance. Benefits increased from 0 to 4-5 days, then slightly declined at 6-7 days. The WHO recommends at least 3 days per week for general health.
What types of exercise count as MSE for children?
Age-appropriate muscle-strengthening activities include push-ups, sit-ups, squats, lunges, planks, resistance band exercises, climbing playground equipment, and under proper supervision, light weightlifting with correct form. The key is that the activity specifically aims to strengthen muscles rather than just increase heart rate.
Is MSE safe for children and adolescents?
Yes, when performed with proper technique and appropriate supervision. The myth that strength training is unsafe for young people has been largely debunked. Current evidence suggests that well-supervised, age-appropriate MSE can improve strength, coordination, and bone density while reducing sports injury risk. However, children should avoid maximum lifts or competitive weightlifting until they have reached physical maturity.
Does this apply to younger children (under 10 years)?
This study included students from grade 5 (approximately 10-11 years) and older. The findings may not directly apply to younger children. However, fundamental movement patterns and playful strength activities (climbing, jumping, animal walks) are generally appropriate and beneficial for younger children.
If you are a parent wondering how to support your child's physical and cognitive development, or if you are a young person looking to build healthy habits, this research offers encouraging news. Muscle-strengthening exercise may support not just physical health, but academic outcomes as well.
As with any exercise program, it is important to start appropriately, use proper technique, and progress gradually. If you have concerns about your child's movement patterns, strength, or any aches and pains related to physical activity, a physiotherapy assessment can help identify areas that need attention.
- Grant
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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not replace individualised physiotherapy or medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional for your specific situation. This blog post summarises a published research study; the original source should be consulted for full methodological details.
