THE EFFECT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS MATHEMATICS LESSONS – REVIEW

Abstract

The role of physical activity in primary school student’s education is gaining increasing attention. Research shows that guided physical activity during mathematics lessons contributes to academic performance, mathematical skills, cognitive abilities, and psychological development. The aim of the literature review is to present the complex effects of physical activity on mathematics lessons for primary school students. Furthermore, it seeks to emphasize the significance of this topic and provide a comprehensive overview of the relationship between physical activity and mathematical performance, with a particular focus on the effectiveness of intervention programs. The analysis is based on the review of scientific articles that have examined the connections between physical activity and mathematics learning in primary school age groups, drawing on publications published between 2010 and 2024. The research included 22 studies focusing on children aged 6 to 12, with sample sizes ranging from 20 to 600 student’s. The interventions were short-term (8-12 weeks) and longterm (6-12 months) pedagogical experiments. The results showed that integrating physical activity into mathematics lessons positively impacts student’s performance, particularly in calculation skills and problem-solving abilities. The physical activity sessions increased student’s motivation and attention, reduced anxiety, and boosted their self-confidence. The studies also revealed that physical activity enhances student’s emotional well-being, which contributes to sustained learning interest and perseverance in the long term. In Hungary, there is a need for further empirical research on the topic.