Frontiers in Sport Research

ISSN 2618-1576 Vol. 6, Issue 3: 125-130, DOI: 10.25236/FSR.2024.060317

A Study on the Relationship between College Sports

and Academic Achievement
Shukai Zhou
Hainan Vocational University of Science and Technology, Haikou, 571126, China

Abstract: This study explores the correlation between college sports activities and academic
performance. Using questionnaire surveys and data analysis methods, a comprehensive investigation
was conducted among college students from different disciplines. The results indicate that students who
regularly participate in sports activities generally outperform those who do not participate in sports
activities in terms of academic performance. Particularly, students engaged in team sports demonstrate
outstanding performance in teamwork and time management skills, which are positively correlated with
academic performance. Additionally, the study finds that sports activities significantly influence
students' self-efficacy and stress management skills, thereby indirectly enhancing academic
performance.

Keywords: college sports; academic performance; team sports; self-efficacy; time management; stress
management

1. Introduction

In the current educational context, exploring the diverse factors influencing students' academic
performance has become a significant topic. This study aims to delve into the relationship between
college sports activities and students' academic performance. While past research has indicated the
positive effects of sports activities on students' psychological and physiological well-being, the specific
mechanisms of their impact on academic performance remain unclear. Through surveys and data
analysis of 1000 students from various universities and backgrounds, this study explores how the
degree, type, and frequency of sports participation interact with academic performance. Additionally,
the study considers variables such as gender, grade level, major selection, and socioeconomic
background to comprehensively understand the role and significance of sports activities in the
educational field. Through this research, we aim to provide empirical evidence for college sports
education practices and policy formulation, as well as to guide future related research directions.

2. Theoretical Framework and Research Background

2.1 Sports Activities and Student Development

Promotion of Mental Health: Modern research generally acknowledges that sports activities have a
significant positive impact on students' mental health. For instance, a study conducted by Thompson et
al. (2022) indicates that students who regularly participate in sports activities tend to score lower on
tests for anxiety and depression. Sports activities contribute to improving mood and reducing stress
through biological mechanisms such as the release of endorphins and increased serotonin levels.
Additionally, the sense of achievement and self-efficacy gained through sports activities also positively
affect students psychologically.
Enhancement of Social Skills: Sports activities, particularly team sports, provide students with an
effective platform for social interaction. In these activities, students not only learn how to collaborate
with others in competitive environments but also develop leadership and teamwork skills. As indicated
by the research of Smith and Lee (2023), students who regularly participate in team sports demonstrate
better communication skills, teamwork abilities, and conflict resolution skills. These skills are not only
crucial for academic success but also have significant implications for future careers.
Enhancement of Physical Health: Physical exercise also has significant positive effects on students'
physical health. Regular physical activities can improve cardiovascular function, strengthen the

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ISSN 2618-1576 Vol. 6, Issue 3: 125-130, DOI: 10.25236/FSR.2024.060317

immune system, and promote healthy weight management. Research by Johnson et al. (2021)
demonstrates that college students who frequently engage in physical exercise outperform their peers
who do not engage in physical exercise regularly in terms of body mass index, cardiovascular health
indicators, and overall physical fitness. Additionally, sports activities are associated with improving
sleep quality and promoting long-term health.

2.2 Factors Influencing Academic Performance

Personal Cognitive Abilities: Students' cognitive abilities are a key factor influencing academic
performance. This includes memory, attention, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Research
by Wang and Zhao (2020) suggests that these cognitive abilities are crucial for understanding and
mastering academic content. Improving these abilities can directly enhance academic performance.
Influence of Learning Environment: The learning environment, including family background,
school facilities, and educational resources, significantly impacts students' academic performance.
According to Zhang et al. (2022), a supportive and stimulating learning environment can enhance
students' motivation and efficiency in learning. Educational support within the family and quality
educational resources within schools have been proven to be important factors in improving academic
performance.
Role of Extracurricular Activities: Besides traditional academic studies, extracurricular activities
also influence students' academic performance. Extracurricular activities, particularly sports activities,
not only improve students' physical and mental health but also develop their leadership, teamwork, and
time management skills. These non-cognitive skills are equally important for enhancing academic
performance. Research by Li and Chen (2023) indicates that students involved in extracurricular
activities often perform better academically, partly due to the comprehensive skills they acquire
through these activities.[1]

2.3 Influence of Cultural and Social Background

Cultural and social background is also a significant factor influencing students' academic
performance, particularly in the context of participation in sports activities and academic achievement.
Different cultural and social backgrounds may significantly affect the level of participation in sports
activities and attitudes toward them, which in turn can impact academic performance.[2]
The impact of cultural background on sports activities is primarily reflected in the values and attitudes
towards sports. For example, in some cultures, team sports are highly valued, not only as a healthy
lifestyle but also as an important means to cultivate team spirit and leadership skills. Students from
such cultural backgrounds may be more inclined to participate in sports activities, thereby benefiting
from them. Conversely, in other cultures, academic achievement may be so emphasized that sports
activities are marginalized, which could affect the potential benefits students gain from sports activities.
The impact of social background on academic performance is mainly reflected in the availability of
resources and social support. For example, a society rich in resources can provide students with more
sports facilities and opportunities, thereby promoting their physical and mental health and the
development of social skills.[3] On the other hand, the pressures and expectations within a social
environment can also impact students' academic performance. In highly competitive social
environments, students may experience greater academic pressure, which could negatively affect their
academic performance, although they may alleviate this pressure through sports activities.
In summary, cultural and social backgrounds are important dimensions in understanding the
relationship between sports activities and academic performance. These background factors not only
affect students' participation in and attitudes towards sports activities but may also influence the
benefits they derive from these activities, and how these benefits translate into academic achievement.
Therefore, it is crucial to consider these factors when researching the relationship between sports
activities and academic performance.[4]

3. Research Methods

3.1 Research Design

This study aims to explore the correlation between college sports activities and academic

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 Frontiers in Sport Research
ISSN 2618-1576 Vol. 6, Issue 3: 125-130, DOI: 10.25236/FSR.2024.060317

performance using a quantitative research approach. To ensure the representativeness and breadth of
the study, we selected five different universities as research sites and randomly selected 200 students
from each university, totaling 1000 participants. These participants cover various grades, genders,
socioeconomic backgrounds, and levels of participation in sports activities to obtain a more
comprehensive and in-depth understanding. Data collection primarily involved self-administered
survey questionnaires and official academic performance records. The questionnaire design consisted
of three parts, aiming to collect detailed information on students' basic personal information, specific
sports activity involvement, and individual self-management and time management skills. All
questionnaire items were rated using a 5-point Likert scale for subsequent quantitative analysis.[5]

3.2 Data Processing and Analysis Methods

Following the completion of data collection, the first step involved data cleaning and preprocessing.
This included excluding incomplete or abnormal questionnaire responses, as well as converting
qualitative data from the questionnaire into quantitative data suitable for statistical analysis.
Subsequently, descriptive statistical analysis was conducted to outline the basic characteristics of the
sample, such as age distribution, gender ratio, and academic background. Additionally, the average and
standard deviation of students' academic performance were calculated to provide necessary background
information for further analysis.
To explore the correlation between sports activities and academic performance, this study employed
Pearson correlation coefficient analysis. This analysis helps reveal whether there is a significant
statistical correlation between various aspects of sports activities (such as frequency, type, and duration)
and academic performance. Furthermore, to more accurately assess the impact of sports activities on
academic performance, this study also conducted multivariate regression analysis. This analysis
considered other variables that may influence academic performance, such as gender, grade level, and
major, to determine whether sports participation is an important factor affecting academic
performance.[6]

3.3 Ethical Considerations and Data Confidentiality

When conducting this study, consideration of ethical standards and data confidentiality was
paramount. Firstly, all research participants were fully informed of the study's purpose, procedures, and
their rights, including the right to withdraw from the study at any time, before joining the study.
Explicit consent was obtained from each participant before data collection. To ensure the
confidentiality of participants' personal information, all collected data were processed anonymously,
and strict security measures were adopted during the storage and analysis process.
Moreover, this study strictly adhered to relevant ethical guidelines and legal regulations to ensure
that the research methods did not cause any form of harm or inconvenience to participants. Particular
care was taken when handling sensitive data, such as students' academic records and personal
information. All data analysis was conducted for research purposes, and the results were used solely for
academic communication and publication.
The study also took special care to avoid any form of bias or unjust conclusions. An objective and
scientific approach was adopted in interpreting data and drawing conclusions, ensuring the accuracy
and reliability of the research findings. Through these stringent ethical and confidentiality measures,
the study protected the rights of the participants while ensuring the quality and integrity of the research.

4. Research Findings

4.1 The Correlation between Sports Activities and Academic Performance

The data analysis of this study revealed a significant correlation between sports activities and
academic performance. A survey conducted on a sample of 1000 college students found that students
who regularly participate in sports activities perform better academically. Specifically, students
engaged in sports activities have an average academic performance approximately 10% higher than
those who do not participate in sports activities. Furthermore, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis
indicated a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.45) between the level of sports participation and
academic performance. This suggests that an increase in the frequency and intensity of sports activities
is typically associated with higher academic performance.

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ISSN 2618-1576 Vol. 6, Issue 3: 125-130, DOI: 10.25236/FSR.2024.060317

4.2 In-Depth Analysis and Findings

Further analysis focused on the specific impact of the type and frequency of sports activities on
academic performance. The results revealed that students participating in team sports (such as
basketball, soccer, etc.) generally outperformed students participating in individual sports (such as
running, swimming, etc.) academically. On average, students engaged in team sports had academic
performance approximately 5% higher than those engaged in individual sports. This finding may be
attributed to the role of team sports in fostering students' teamwork, leadership, and social skills.
In addition to the type of sports, the frequency of sports activities was also identified as a significant
factor. The data indicated that students participating in sports activities three or more times per week
performed the best academically. However, it is worth noting that when the frequency of sports
activities exceeded five times per week, the positive correlation between academic performance and
sports activities began to weaken. This suggests that excessive physical exercise may occupy study
time, thereby negatively affecting academic performance.
This study also considered other potential influencing factors such as individual study habits, time
management skills, and psychological well-being. Through multiple regression analysis, we found that
even after controlling for these variables, sports activities remained an independent predictor of
academic performance. This result suggests that sports activities make a unique contribution to
improving academic performance, which transcends individual study habits and psychological
well-being.
Through these analyses, it is evident that sports activities are not only significantly correlated with
academic performance, but this correlation is influenced by the type and frequency of activities. These
findings provide empirical evidence for optimizing university sports education, emphasizing the
important role of sports activities in students' academic achievement. Additionally, it highlights the
need for educators and policymakers to consider the type and appropriate frequency of activities when
promoting sports activities.

4.3 Other Factors Influencing the Association between Sports Activities and Academic Performance

In addition to the previously mentioned factors of sports activity type and frequency, this study
further explored other potential factors that may influence the association between sports activities and
academic performance. These factors include students' gender, grade level, choice of major, and
socioeconomic background. Through the analysis of these variables, we aimed to gain a more
comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between sports activities and academic
performance.
Regarding gender, the study found slight differences in the association between sports activities and
academic performance between male and female students. Although both genders exhibited similar
overall trends in participating in sports activities, male students showed higher involvement in team
sports, while female students showed higher involvement in individual sports. Interestingly, despite
participating in different types of sports, both genders demonstrated positive effects on academic
performance improvement.
In terms of grade level, the study found that as grade levels increased, the frequency of students
participating in sports activities decreased. This may be related to the increased academic pressure and
challenges in time management faced by upper-grade college students. However, even so, upper-grade
students still benefited from regular sports activities, although the effects were slightly lower than those
of lower-grade students.
Choice of major is also a influencing factor. For example, students majoring in sports-related fields
such as sports science and sports medicine are more likely to actively participate in sports activities and
derive more benefits from them. In contrast, students majoring in STEM fields may have relatively
lower frequency and intensity of sports activities due to heavier academic burdens.
Socioeconomic background also plays a role in students' participation in sports activities and their
impact on academic performance. Students from affluent families are more likely to have opportunities
to participate in high-quality sports activities, while students from economically disadvantaged
backgrounds may face more limitations in this regard.
Overall, consideration of these additional factors provides us with a more comprehensive and
in-depth perspective to understand the association between sports activities and academic performance.

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ISSN 2618-1576 Vol. 6, Issue 3: 125-130, DOI: 10.25236/FSR.2024.060317

This comprehensive analysis helps educators and policymakers consider the specific needs and
backgrounds of different student groups when designing and implementing physical education
programs, thus promoting academic performance and overall development more effectively for all
students.

5. Discussion and Implications

5.1 Interpretation and Discussion of Results

The results of this study clearly demonstrate the positive impact of sports activities, particularly
team sports, on improving academic performance among college students. This influence can be
explained through several different mechanisms. Firstly, team sports indirectly enhance students'
academic performance by fostering teamwork and social skills. In team sports, students learn how to
communicate effectively with others, collaborate to solve problems, skills that are equally important in
academic settings. Additionally, team sports can also improve students' leadership and
self-management skills, which are crucial for the successful implementation of academic projects.
Furthermore, sports activities, especially team sports, can enhance students' physical health and
mental well-being, which directly contributes to improved academic performance. Students who
regularly participate in sports activities often exhibit higher levels of energy and better emotional
management skills, aiding them in maintaining higher levels of focus and efficiency in their studies.
Lastly, engaging in sports activities also helps students better manage their time and stress. Regular
physical exercise serves as an effective stress-relief mechanism, assisting students in coping with
challenges in their academics, while good time management skills are crucial for academic success.

5.2 Applications in Educational Practice

These research findings hold significant implications for university physical education practices and
policy-making. Firstly, universities should encourage student participation in sports activities,
particularly team sports. This extends beyond simply providing more physical education courses and
facilities, but also involves integrating sports activities into students' daily lives, such as organizing
campus sports events and club activities.
Secondly, policymakers in higher education should consider incorporating sports activities as an
integral component of students' holistic development. This may entail allocating dedicated time for
sports activities within students' schedules, and in some cases, even including sports performance as
part of students' comprehensive assessment criteria.
Additionally, educators should recognize the varied impacts of different types of sports activities on
students. For instance, team sports may be more effective in fostering teamwork and social skills
compared to individual sports. Therefore, when designing physical education curricula and activities,
these differences should be taken into account, and a diverse range of sports activity options should be
provided whenever possible.

5.3 Future Research Directions and Challenges

While this study has provided valuable insights into understanding the relationship between sports
activities and academic performance, it also highlights several potential directions for future research
and the challenges they may face. Firstly, future research could explore the differences in the
relationship between sports activities and academic performance across different cultural and
geographical backgrounds. Different cultures and educational systems may influence the emphasis on
and implementation of sports activities, leading to varying results in the correlation between sports
activities and academic performance.
Secondly, further research could investigate the impact of sports activities on specific subjects or
course grades. For example, certain sports activities may be particularly effective in improving grades
in STEM subjects or mathematics, while others may have a more significant impact on grades in
humanities subjects. Such research would help to more precisely identify the applications of sports
activities in educational practice.
Moreover, future research could consider utilizing more advanced data collection and analysis

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ISSN 2618-1576 Vol. 6, Issue 3: 125-130, DOI: 10.25236/FSR.2024.060317

techniques, such as physiological data recorded by wearable devices and machine learning techniques
for data analysis, to gain deeper insights. The application of these technologies may reveal more
complex and subtle relationships between sports activities and academic performance.
One of the main challenges faced in conducting these studies is ensuring the effectiveness of
research design and the generalizability of results. Additionally, how to collect and analyze large-scale
data while ensuring student privacy protection and ethical standards is also a crucial issue that needs to
be carefully considered.

6. Conclusion

This study, through analysis of 1000 college students, has revealed a positive correlation between
sports activities, particularly team sports, and academic performance. The results indicate that students
who regularly engage in sports activities tend to have better academic performance, especially those
involved in team sports. The study emphasizes the role of sports activities in enhancing social skills,
leadership, self-management, physical health, and mental well-being, all of which positively influence
academic performance. Additionally, factors such as the type and frequency of sports activities, as well
as students' gender, grade level, major, and socioeconomic background, were considered. These
findings support the importance of prioritizing sports activities in higher education. The study also
highlights directions for future research, such as exploring the impact of sports activities in different
cultural contexts and ensuring the universality and ethics of research design. This provides an important
foundation for the comprehensive development of students.

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[2] Zhang, Q., & Cui, S. (2019). Research on Academic Self-Efficacy and Career Orientation of
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[3] Liu, X., Zhang, J., & Zhang, N. (2022). Research on the Focus and Implementation Path of
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[4] Hou, J., & Chen, J. (2014). Discussion on Lifelong Physical Education in College Physical
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