BUENAVISTA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Senior High School

Buenavista, Guimaras

Physical Activity and Academic Performance among

GAS Students

A Quantitative Research

Presented to the Faculty

Senior High School

Buenavista National High School

Buenavista, Guimaras

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Subject

Practical Research 2

By:

Irene Jhoy Maluto

Sky Serra

Michelle Ferrer

Chapter 1
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Senior High School
Buenavista, Guimaras
INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

In today’s academic environment, students face increasing pressure

to perform well in their studies, especially in senior high school

tracks like the General Academic Strand (GAS). The GAS curriculum

is designed to give students a broad understanding of different

academic areas such as social sciences, humanities, and business,

preparing them for various career paths or further education.

However, with this academic load comes the challenge of balancing

intellectual and physical well-being.

Physical activity has long been associated with a wide range of

health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, muscle

strength, and mental well-being. However, its potential impact on

cognitive function and academic performance has only recently

been the subject of deeper research. Studies suggest that regular

physical activity can positively affect students’ cognitive abilities,

such as memory, attention, and information processing speed,

which are critical for learning and academic success.

Given the diverse nature of GAS students’ academic responsibilities,

understanding the role of physical activity in their academic

performance is crucial. The integration of physical activity into their

daily routines may be a factor that contributes to better academic

 BUENAVISTA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Senior High School
Buenavista, Guimaras
outcomes, helping students to manage stress, maintain focus, and

improve their overall learning experience.

Statement of the problem

This study seeks to explore the relationship between physical activity

and academic performance among GAS students. Specifically, the

study aims to address the following research questions:

1. What is the current level of physical activity among GAS students?

2. How does the frequency and intensity of physical activity

correlate with the academic performance of GAS students?

3. What are the perceived benefits and challenges of engaging in

physical activity as reported by GAS students?

4. Are there significant differences in academic performance

between students who engage in regular physical activity and those

who do not?

Objective of the Study

The primary objective of this study is to determine the relationship

between physical activity and academic performance among GAS

students. The specific objectives include:

1. To assess the current level of physical activity among GAS

students.
 BUENAVISTA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Senior High School
Buenavista, Guimaras
2. To examine the correlation between physical activity and

academic performance.

3. To identify the benefits of physical activity on GAS students’

cognitive function and overall academic performance.

4. To explore the challenges and barriers that GAS students face in

maintaining a regular physical activity routine.

Conceptual Framework

This research conceptual framework will focus on the relationship of

physical activity and student performance and specifically GAS

students. It is premised upon the fact that physical activity is not only

because it contributes to health promotion but also impacts cognitive

functions significantly critical for academic success.

1. Independent Variable: Physical Activity

Definition: Physical activity refers to any bodily movement that

enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health. This may

include any form of structured exercises such as those attained

through sports or working out and can also include unstructured

activities, like walking, playing, or engaging in recreation.

Elements:

Level: Current level of physical activity GAS at which students are

currently exercising.
 BUENAVISTA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Senior High School
Buenavista, Guimaras
Frequency and Intensity: The frequency and intensity of physical

activity undertaken by students, which may vary for different

respondents.

Dimensions Assessed: The existing level, frequency, and intensity

of physical activity would be gauged by determining students' self-

reported data.

2.Mediators: Cognitive Function and Mental Well-being

Cognitive Abilities: The assumption that physical activity impacts

such cognitive abilities as memory, attention, and processing speed, is

correctly put forward. These abilities are very important for the

learning process and are intimately tied to academic achievement.

Stress Management: Physical activity can reduce the levels of stress

at times. It is a great benefit in an academic setting. Lesser stress will

directly have effects: better concentration, increased resilience, and a

more positive attitude toward challenges set up by academics.

Good Mental Well-being: Exercise benefits the general mental

health of the individual as moods are improved and anxiety lowered,

which can indirectly benefit the learning process too.

3. Dependent Variable: Academic Performance

 BUENAVISTA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Senior High School
Buenavista, Guimaras
Academic performance can be described as measured evidence for

students' learning; this is typically grading, test scores, or any other

measured indicators wherein a student's mastery of academic material

can be apparent.

Measured Variables: This paper will measure academic performance

based on academic records, which is a measurable indicator of student

performance in many subjects.

4. Relationships and Hypotheses

Hypothesis 1: The level, frequency, and intensity of physical activity

correlate positively with the academic performance of GAS students.

Hypothesis 2: GAS students who are involved in regular physical

activity enhance their cognitive function and reduce stress, thus

leading to better academic performance.

Hypothesis 3: There are numerous rewards and barriers to

implementing physical activity among students that determine their

predisposition and capability to maintain regular physical activity

habits.
 BUENAVISTA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Senior High School
Buenavista, Guimaras

Diagram of the Conceptual Framework

Physical Activity → Cognitive Function & Mental Well-being →

Academic Performance

This conceptual framework will help to explore how physical activity

might have relations with an enhancement of academic performance

through enhancements in cognitive function and mental wellness of

GAS students. The implication might be toward the possibility of

integrating the practice of physical activity in school schedules for

supporting students' academic achievement.

RESEARCH PARADIGM

INDEPENDENT VARIABLES DEPENDENT

VARIABLES

AGE, SEX, GRADE LEVEL,

 BUENAVISTA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Senior High School
Buenavista, Guimaras

Figure 1: The schematic diagram below shows the relationship among

variables

Significance of the study

The findings of this study will contribute to a better understanding of

how physical activity influences academic performance, particularly

among GAS students. This research could be beneficial for:

• Educators and School Administrators: Understanding the

impact of physical activity on academic performance may

encourage the implementation of policies that promote regular

physical exercise within schools.

• Students: GAS students can benefit from knowing how

incorporating physical activity into their routine can help

improve their academic performance.

• Parents and Guardians: Insights from this study could help

parents encourage their children to engage in more physical

activity to enhance not only their physical health but also their

academic success.

• Future Researchers: The study may serve as a foundation for

further research on the role of physical activity in academic

achievement among different student populations.

 BUENAVISTA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Senior High School
Buenavista, Guimaras
Scope and Delimitations

This study will focus on senior high school students enrolled in the

General Academic Strand (GAS) in selected schools. The study will

specifically measure the students’ physical activity levels and their

academic performance during a specific academic year. The

correlation between these two variables will be analyzed based on

student-reported physical activity and their academic records. While

other factors may influence academic performance (such as

socioeconomic status, nutrition, and sleep), this study will primarily

focus on physical activity as the independent variable.

BUENAVISTA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Senior High School
Buenavista, Guimaras