Physical fitness in childhood and teen years benefits an individual’s physical and mental health throughout their life. Recent research indicates that physically fit individuals may also perform better academically than their counterparts.

In the new study, which is scheduled for publication in the Journal of Pediatrics, researchers examined the independent and combined influence of how physical fitness impacts academic performance.

There are many aspects of physical fitness that have been documented as potential ways to improve overall health, including cardiorespiratory capacity, motor ability, and muscular strength. Each of these components may have varied effects on the brain, and ultimately academic performance.

Irene Esteban-Cornejo, MSc, Autonomous University of Madrid, said in a statement, “Because these physical fitness components are highly associated with each other, it is important to differentiate which physical fitness components are important in relation to academic performance.”

The study looked at 2,038 Spanish children and adolescents, ages six to 18 years, with complete data on levels of physical fitness, body composition, and academic performance. Researchers discovered a stronger association of academic performance and physical fitness for motor ability than of cardiorespiratory capacity, indicating that motor ability might be more crucial for academic performance.

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends at least 60 minutes of exercise a day for children ages six to 17.