Role of Physical Education in the Cognitive Development of Children at the Secondary Level

Abstract

This study examined the role of physical education in the cognitive development of secondary-school children. A quantitative, descriptive-correlational design was employed, and data was collected from 489 Grade 9 and Grade 10 students selected through multistage stratified random sampling from public and private schools. A self-developed 50-item questionnaire measured physical education participation, attention, working memory, inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, decision-making, and problem-solving. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, independent-samples t tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. The findings showed high levels of physical education participation and cognitive development. Physical education was significantly and positively related to all cognitive dimensions and explained 39.7% of the variance in cognitive development. Regular attendance, greater weekly frequency, longer lesson duration, and participation in structured sports were associated with higher cognitive scores. The study concluded that quality physical education supports students’ cognitive development and should be strengthened in secondary schools.