Higher levels of physical activity during boys' first three school years has been linked to improved academic performance, according to a new study published in the PLOS ONE journal.

A growing amount of research has alluded to the health benefits of exercise on children, with one recent study showing how activity can impact on brain function, mental health and cognitive performance.

The researchers behind this latest investigation were part of a scheme conducted in collaboration with the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children (PANIC) Study at the University of Eastern Finland and the First Steps Study at the University of Jyväskylä.

They observed a range of 186 children, made up of 107 boys and 79 girls between six and eight-years-old, with their exercise levels measured during the first grade through a questionnaire. This was then followed up at the end of every grade year between one and three to measure reading fluency, reading comprehension and arithmetic skills.

Some intriguing findings were displayed with the boys in the group, where it was discovered that those with higher levels of physical activity, especially walking and cycling to and from school, had better reading skills than the less active boys.

One of the study’s most interesting findings revealed that despite the negative publicity surrounding video games, the boys who spent more time on computers and consoles achieved higher arithmetic test scores during the study.

Among the girls, there were only a few instances of physical activity and sedentary behaviour being linked with academic achievement. However, another recent study has shown that physically fit schoolgirls have been more prone to avoid symptoms of depression.

The scientists behind the study have suggested that more research should be done to explore the impact of exercise and physical activity on academic achievement, with a focus also required on how ways of getting to school can help health and brain function in younger people.