# Physical Activity Intensity and Learning Strategies in Students Aged 10 to 16: A Pilot Study

## TL;DR

This study explores how different levels of daily physical activity affect learning strategies in adolescents aged 10 to 16.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific durations of moderate and vigorous physical activity linked to improved learning strategies in boys and girls.

## Key findings

- Moderate-intensity activity for 46–62 min daily improves elaboration, critical thinking, and metacognitive self-regulation in adolescents.
- Short vigorous activity (3–6 min) benefits boys' learning strategies, while girls with less than 3 min of vigorous activity show higher critical thinking and peer learning scores.
- The study recommends 60 min of moderate activity and 5-min vigorous sessions to enhance learning and reduce barriers to high-intensity exercise.

## Abstract

This study analyzed the relationship between time spent on daily physical activity at different intensities (light, moderate, and vigorous) and learning strategies in adolescents. The sample included 147 Spanish adolescents (62% girls, 13.61 ± 1.95 years). Learning strategies were assessed using the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ), while physical activity intensity was recorded via the Xiaomi Mi Band 4 smartband, which measured heart rate (HR). HR was categorized into light (rest–50% max HR), moderate (50–70% max HR), and vigorous (70–85% max HR). Adolescents who engaged in moderate-intensity activities for 46–62 min daily showed the highest scores in elaboration, critical thinking, and metacognitive self-regulation, with girls also excelling in effort regulation (all p < 0.05). Among boys, 3–6 min of vigorous activity per day was linked to higher scores in elaboration, organization, critical thinking, peer learning, and rehearsal. Conversely, girls engaging in less than 3 min of vigorous activity obtained the highest scores in critical thinking and peer learning (all p < 0.05). It is recommended that students engage in 60 min of daily moderate-intensity physical activity. Additionally, short 5-min vigorous-intensity sessions should be encouraged in both boys and girls to enhance learning benefits and reduce social barriers to high-intensity exercise.