Exercise Improves Academic Performance Article Swipe

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Alexander W. Cappelen , Gary Charness , Mathias Ekström , Uri Gneezy , Bertil Tungodden ·

YOU? · · 2025 · Open Access · · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1086/738251 · OA: W2758763136

We report the results of a randomized controlled trial testing whether incentivizing physical exercise improves the academic performance of college students. As expected, the intervention increases physical activity. The main result is that it generates a strong and significant improvement in academic performance, particularly for students who struggled at the baseline in terms of lifestyle habits. We also provide evidence on the underlying mechanisms: Students who were incentivized to exercise have a healthier life style and improved self-control. Overall, the study demonstrates that incentivizing students to exercise can be an important tool in improving educational achievements.