The effect of physical fitness on academic achievement through self-confidence in adolescents aged 16 – 18 years: a scoping review

Background and Study Aim. Although the relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement has been widely studied, the mechanisms that explain this relationship still need to be explored further. One possible mechanism that may serve as a mediator is self-confidence. This study aims to conduct a scoping review of the literature that discusses the effects of physical fitness on academic achievement through self-confidence. Materials and Methods. This study is a scoping review that analyzes the relationship between physical fitness, self-confidence, and academic achievement in adolescents aged 16–18 years. The literature review was conducted systematically using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for articles published in English between 2015 and 2024. Article selection was based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and followed the PRISMA procedure. Results. The analysis identified 9 articles demonstrating a positive relationship between physical fitness, self-confidence, and academic achievement in adolescents. Most studies found that better physical fitness levels, especially cardiorespiratory fitness, were correlated with higher academic achievement. In addition, self-confidence was shown to act as a mediator that strengthens the relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement. However, several studies also reported variations in results, such as students with high fitness but low academic achievement. In general, these findings confirm the important role of physical activity and self-confidence in supporting adolescents' academic success. Conclusions. Physical fitness plays an important role in supporting academic achievement through self-confidence in adolescents. The positive relationship between physical fitness, self-confidence, and academic achievement emphasizes the importance of integrating physical fitness programs into the school environment as part of a holistic effort to improve the quality of education. Although this study has several limitations, future research is expected to employ stronger designs and broader scopes to provide more applicable recommendations for improving the quality of education and children's health.