Analysis of determinants in physical education achievement: Nutritional knowledge and body mass index
Keywords:
physical education, nutrition, elementary school
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the effect of Nutrition Knowledge (NK) and Body Mass Index (BMI) on Physical Education (PE) learning outcomes in elementary school students, both partially and simultaneously. This study used an associative quantitative approach involving 28 third-grade students aged between 8-9 years. NK was measured using a multiple-choice questionnaire, BMI was obtained through anthropometric measurements, while PE learning outcomes were obtained from students' report card scores. The data were analyzed using simple and multiple linear correlation and regression. The results showed that the students' NK was in the adequate category (M=70.107±0.875), BMI was in the normal category (M=-1.626±0.977), and PE learning outcomes were in the adequate category (M=77.679±4.514). Regression analysis showed that NK and BMI had a positive and significant effect on PE learning outcomes, with BMI having a greater effect than NK (partially, R²=0.360; R²=0.472; p=0.001; and simultaneously, R²=0.656; p=0.001). These findings indicate that good NK and normal BMI contribute to improved PE learning outcomes in elementary school students. Further research is recommended using a longitudinal design with a larger sample size and considering relevant behavioral and environmental factors to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence PE learning outcomes.
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References
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Amenya, P. C. A., Annan, R. A., Apprey, C., & Agbley, E. N. (2021). The relationship between nutrition and physical activity knowledge and body mass index-for-age of school-aged children in selected schools in Ghana. Heliyon, 7(11). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08298
Arenasa, L. S., Baul, J. L., Bustillos, V., & Bacatan, J. R. (2024). Correlational analysis of food and nutrition literacy and academic performance among intermediate-level students. International Journal of Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Education, 3(8), 1370–1376. https://doi.org/10.58806/ijirme.2024.v3i8n10
Bello, Z. A., Obebe, S. F., Ayilara, T. T., Sulaiman, M. M., Abdulazeez, B. T. A., & Rasheed, O. A. (2024). Impact of nutrition on academic performance of boarding science students in selected secondary schools in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences Journal of Health, Sports Science and Recreation, 2(1), 97–110.
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Çağıran, İ. H. (2025). Investigation of the effect of nutrition education on nutrition knowledge level and nutritional habits. Sakarya University Journal of Holistic Health, 8(2), 80–91. https://doi.org/10.54803/sauhsd.1697901
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Firdaus, K., Hartoto, S., Hariyanto, A., Subagya, I., Nikmatullaili, Mario, D. T., & Zulbahri. (2023). Evaluation of several factors that affect the learning outcomes of Physical Education. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 11(1), 27–36. https://doi.org/10.13189/saj.2023.110104
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Jadgal, M. S., Sayedrajabizadeh, S., Sadeghi, S., & Nakhaei-Moghaddam, T. (2020). Effectiveness of nutrition education for elementary school children based on the theory of planned behavior. Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science Journal, 8(1), 308–317. https://doi.org/10.12944/CRNFSJ.8.1.29
Kemenkes. (2011). Standar antropometri untuk menilai status gizi anak-anak. Direktorat Jenderal Kesehatan Ibu dan Anak serta Pengembangan Gizi.
King, D., Killian, C. M., Kern, B. D., Paulson, L., Wilson, W. J., Woo, D. S., & Wallhead, T. (2026). State of the states policy report: Physical education and physical activity policy in the United States and its territories. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 97(1), 20–74. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2025.2579457
Liu, L., Ren, X., Li, W., Zhao, S., Guo, X., Yan, R., & Li, R. (2025). Nutritional literacy and health behaviors in primary school students in China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health, 25(1), 2275. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23420-w
Liverti, D. P., Manullang, J. G., & Hermansah, B. (2023). The relationship between nutritional status (BMI) and stress levels on physical fitness of extracurricular sports students. Journal of Social Work and Science Education, 4(3), 283–288.
Ma’ruf, M., Rais, I. R., & Bachri, M. S. (2024). Peran edukasi dalam pemilihan makanan sehat pada anak sekolah. Jurnal Pembelajaran Pemberdayaan Masyarakat (JP2M), 5(1), 172–178. https://doi.org/10.33474/jp2m.v5i1.21427
Martinovic, M. B., Jaksic, M. Z., Spahic, E. S., Lukic, M. Z., & Nedovic-Vukovic, M. M. (2021). Physical activity and nutritional status of schoolchildren in Montenegro. Sport Mont, 19(1), 65–70. https://doi.org/10.26773/smj.210216
McPherson, A., Kunkel, J., Mackay, L., Garrett, N., Duncan, S., & McPherson, C. (2025). Step to it: Exploring longitudinal associations between physical activity and cognition in children. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 22(12), 1539–1548. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2025-0103
Monacis, D., Trecroci, A., Invernizzi, P. L., & Colella, D. (2022). Can enjoyment and physical self-perception mediate the relationship between BMI and levels of physical activity? Preliminary results from the regional observatory of motor development in Italy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(19), 12567. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912567
Morales-Suárez-Varela, M., Peraita-Costa, I., Llopis-Morales, A., & Llopis-González, A. (2024). Cross-sectional assessment of nutritional status, dietary intake, and physical activity levels in children (6–9 Years) in Valencia (Spain) using nutrimetry. Nutrients, 16(16), 2649. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162649
Muderedzwa, T. M., & Matsungo, T. M. (2020). Nutritional status, physical activity and associated nutrition knowledge of primary school learners. Nutrition and Health, 26(2), 115–125. https://doi.org/10.1177/0260106020910625
Mukhamedzhanov, E., Tsitsurin, V., Zhakiyanova, Z., Akhmetova, B., & Tarjibayeva, S. (2023). The effect of nutrition education on nutritional behavior, academic and sports achievement and attitudes. International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science, and Technology, 11(2), 358–374. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijemst.3133
Oukheda, M., Bouaouda, K., Mohtadi, K., Lebrazi, H., Derouiche, A., Kettani, A., Saile, R., & Taki, H. (2023). Association between nutritional status, body composition, and fitness level of adolescents in physical education in Casablanca, Morocco. Frontiers in Nutrition, 10, 1268369. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1268369
Soto-Sánchez, J., Leyton-Dinamarca, B., Fernández-Valero, P., Magnere, P., Cantillana, J. C., & Valenzuela, J. (2023). Differences in nutritional status, risk factors for metabolic syndrome, physical fitness and physical activity according to hours of weekly physical education practice. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 23(2), 517–524. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2023.02064
Souza, G. A. C., Maia, C. S. C., de Oliveira, K. A., Braga, R. A. M., Soares, E. S., Verde, S. M. M. L., Magalhaes, S. C., Oliveira, A. C. D., & Loureiro, A. C. C. (2023). Evaluation of the relationship between nutritional status, levels of physical activity and physical strength in adolescents. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 53, 182–188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.12.007
Vasileva, F., Shukova-Stojmanovska, D., Vasilev, A., & Georgiev, G. (2022). BMI and nutritional status in physical active population involved in recreational sport. Journal of Anthropology of Sport and Physical Education, 6(1), 13–19. https://doi.org/10.26773/jaspe.220103
Welis, W., Prayoga, R., Mario, D. T., Komaini, A., Ayubi, N., & Effendi, R. (2026). Comparison of physical fitness based on sedentary lifestyle levels in adolescents: A comparative analysis. Physical Activity Review, 14(1), 67–77. https://doi.org/10.16926/par.2026.14.06
Welis, W., Yendrizal, Darni, & Mario, D. T. (2023). Physical fitness of students in Indonesian during the COVID-19 period: Physical activity, body mass index, and socioeconomic status. Physical Activity Review, 11(1), 77–87. https://doi.org/10.16926/par.2023.11.10
Adugna, Y. M., Ayelign, A., & Zerfu, T. A. (2026). Nutrition, diet, and academic performance among school-age children in urban low-income settings: A case-control study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Preventive Medicine Reports. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmedr.2026.103429
Akbar, M., & Rehman, S. U. (2024). Assessing the role of nutrition awareness and dietary diversity on academic performance of university students: A survey-based regression analysis. Forman Journal of Economic Studies, 20(2), 95–110. https://doi.org/10.32368/FJES.20242011
Alqahtani, Y., Assiri, O. A., Al-Shahrani, N. S., Alyazidi, N. S., & Alshahrani, M. S. (2020). Relationship between nutritional habits and school performance among primary school students in Asser Region. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 9(4), 1986–1990. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_885_19
Amenya, P. C. A., Annan, R. A., Apprey, C., & Agbley, E. N. (2021). The relationship between nutrition and physical activity knowledge and body mass index-for-age of school-aged children in selected schools in Ghana. Heliyon, 7(11). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08298
Arenasa, L. S., Baul, J. L., Bustillos, V., & Bacatan, J. R. (2024). Correlational analysis of food and nutrition literacy and academic performance among intermediate-level students. International Journal of Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Education, 3(8), 1370–1376. https://doi.org/10.58806/ijirme.2024.v3i8n10
Bello, Z. A., Obebe, S. F., Ayilara, T. T., Sulaiman, M. M., Abdulazeez, B. T. A., & Rasheed, O. A. (2024). Impact of nutrition on academic performance of boarding science students in selected secondary schools in Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria. Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences Journal of Health, Sports Science and Recreation, 2(1), 97–110.
Biswas, T. K. (2020). The impact of nutrition in the academic performance of primary school graduates in Bangladesh. University of Dhaka.
Çağıran, İ. H. (2025). Investigation of the effect of nutrition education on nutrition knowledge level and nutritional habits. Sakarya University Journal of Holistic Health, 8(2), 80–91. https://doi.org/10.54803/sauhsd.1697901
Carayanni, V., Vlachopapadopoulou, E., Koutsouki, D., Bogdanis, G. C., Psaltopoulou, T., Manios, Y., Karachaliou, F., Hatzakis, A., & Michalacos, S. (2021). Effects of nutrition, and physical activity habits and perceptions on body mass index (BMI) in children aged 12–15 years: A cross-sectional study comparing boys and girls. Children, 8(4), 277. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8040277
Doustmohammadian, A., Omidvar, N., Keshavarz-Mohammadi, N., Eini-Zinab, H., Amini, M., & Abdollahi, M. (2022). The association and mediation role of Food and Nutrition Literacy (FNLIT) with eating behaviors, academic achievement and overweight in 10–12 years old students: A structural equation modeling. Nutrition Journal, 21(1), 45. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-022-00796-8
Eshiev, A., Alshuwaili, H., Usonuulu, Z., Omorov, T., Kudryavtsev, M., Osipov, A., & Dalykh, A. (2025). Efficiency of using track and field in physical education training for senior schoolchildren. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 25(2), 269–276. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2025.02030
Firdaus, K., Hartoto, S., Hariyanto, A., Subagya, I., Nikmatullaili, Mario, D. T., & Zulbahri. (2023). Evaluation of several factors that affect the learning outcomes of Physical Education. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 11(1), 27–36. https://doi.org/10.13189/saj.2023.110104
Guiné, R. P. F., Florença, S. G., Aparício, M. G., Cardoso, A. P., & Ferreira, M. (2023). Food knowledge for better nutrition and health: A study among university students in Portugal. Healthcare, 11(11), 1597. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11111597
Hani, N. A. (2022). Hubungan antara kebiasaan konsumsi makanan cepat saji dengan status gizi pada anak usia sekolah 6-12 tahun (Studi di SD N Patereman 1 Kec. Modung Kab. Bangkalan). Stikes Ngudia Husada Madura: Doctoral dissertation.
Hussain, I., Kumar, P., & John, A. A. (2017). Social relationships, academic performance, dietary habits and body mass index in school children: A comparative study. International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field, 3(7), 193–201.
Irab, S. P., Flassy, M., Zainuri, A., Sinaga, E., Hidayat, R. R., Wandik, Y., & Putra, M. F. P. (2024). Determinants of nutritional status, students’ learning achievement and physical activity: A cross sectional study in Jayapura City, Papua, Indonesia. Retos, 58, 485–494. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v58.107422
Jadgal, M. S., Sayedrajabizadeh, S., Sadeghi, S., & Nakhaei-Moghaddam, T. (2020). Effectiveness of nutrition education for elementary school children based on the theory of planned behavior. Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science Journal, 8(1), 308–317. https://doi.org/10.12944/CRNFSJ.8.1.29
Kemenkes. (2011). Standar antropometri untuk menilai status gizi anak-anak. Direktorat Jenderal Kesehatan Ibu dan Anak serta Pengembangan Gizi.
King, D., Killian, C. M., Kern, B. D., Paulson, L., Wilson, W. J., Woo, D. S., & Wallhead, T. (2026). State of the states policy report: Physical education and physical activity policy in the United States and its territories. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 97(1), 20–74. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2025.2579457
Liu, L., Ren, X., Li, W., Zhao, S., Guo, X., Yan, R., & Li, R. (2025). Nutritional literacy and health behaviors in primary school students in China: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health, 25(1), 2275. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-23420-w
Liverti, D. P., Manullang, J. G., & Hermansah, B. (2023). The relationship between nutritional status (BMI) and stress levels on physical fitness of extracurricular sports students. Journal of Social Work and Science Education, 4(3), 283–288.
Ma’ruf, M., Rais, I. R., & Bachri, M. S. (2024). Peran edukasi dalam pemilihan makanan sehat pada anak sekolah. Jurnal Pembelajaran Pemberdayaan Masyarakat (JP2M), 5(1), 172–178. https://doi.org/10.33474/jp2m.v5i1.21427
Martinovic, M. B., Jaksic, M. Z., Spahic, E. S., Lukic, M. Z., & Nedovic-Vukovic, M. M. (2021). Physical activity and nutritional status of schoolchildren in Montenegro. Sport Mont, 19(1), 65–70. https://doi.org/10.26773/smj.210216
McPherson, A., Kunkel, J., Mackay, L., Garrett, N., Duncan, S., & McPherson, C. (2025). Step to it: Exploring longitudinal associations between physical activity and cognition in children. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 22(12), 1539–1548. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2025-0103
Monacis, D., Trecroci, A., Invernizzi, P. L., & Colella, D. (2022). Can enjoyment and physical self-perception mediate the relationship between BMI and levels of physical activity? Preliminary results from the regional observatory of motor development in Italy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(19), 12567. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912567
Morales-Suárez-Varela, M., Peraita-Costa, I., Llopis-Morales, A., & Llopis-González, A. (2024). Cross-sectional assessment of nutritional status, dietary intake, and physical activity levels in children (6–9 Years) in Valencia (Spain) using nutrimetry. Nutrients, 16(16), 2649. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16162649
Muderedzwa, T. M., & Matsungo, T. M. (2020). Nutritional status, physical activity and associated nutrition knowledge of primary school learners. Nutrition and Health, 26(2), 115–125. https://doi.org/10.1177/0260106020910625
Mukhamedzhanov, E., Tsitsurin, V., Zhakiyanova, Z., Akhmetova, B., & Tarjibayeva, S. (2023). The effect of nutrition education on nutritional behavior, academic and sports achievement and attitudes. International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science, and Technology, 11(2), 358–374. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijemst.3133
Oukheda, M., Bouaouda, K., Mohtadi, K., Lebrazi, H., Derouiche, A., Kettani, A., Saile, R., & Taki, H. (2023). Association between nutritional status, body composition, and fitness level of adolescents in physical education in Casablanca, Morocco. Frontiers in Nutrition, 10, 1268369. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2023.1268369
Soto-Sánchez, J., Leyton-Dinamarca, B., Fernández-Valero, P., Magnere, P., Cantillana, J. C., & Valenzuela, J. (2023). Differences in nutritional status, risk factors for metabolic syndrome, physical fitness and physical activity according to hours of weekly physical education practice. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 23(2), 517–524. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2023.02064
Souza, G. A. C., Maia, C. S. C., de Oliveira, K. A., Braga, R. A. M., Soares, E. S., Verde, S. M. M. L., Magalhaes, S. C., Oliveira, A. C. D., & Loureiro, A. C. C. (2023). Evaluation of the relationship between nutritional status, levels of physical activity and physical strength in adolescents. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 53, 182–188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.12.007
Vasileva, F., Shukova-Stojmanovska, D., Vasilev, A., & Georgiev, G. (2022). BMI and nutritional status in physical active population involved in recreational sport. Journal of Anthropology of Sport and Physical Education, 6(1), 13–19. https://doi.org/10.26773/jaspe.220103
Welis, W., Prayoga, R., Mario, D. T., Komaini, A., Ayubi, N., & Effendi, R. (2026). Comparison of physical fitness based on sedentary lifestyle levels in adolescents: A comparative analysis. Physical Activity Review, 14(1), 67–77. https://doi.org/10.16926/par.2026.14.06
Welis, W., Yendrizal, Darni, & Mario, D. T. (2023). Physical fitness of students in Indonesian during the COVID-19 period: Physical activity, body mass index, and socioeconomic status. Physical Activity Review, 11(1), 77–87. https://doi.org/10.16926/par.2023.11.10
Published
2026-06-29
How to Cite
Mario, D., Muthahari, Z., Priambodo, P., Maulana, I., Ockta, Y., Hafni, I., Rahman, R., Mahesty, I., & Nada, S. A. (2026). Analysis of determinants in physical education achievement: Nutritional knowledge and body mass index. STAMINA, 9(2), 104-119. https://doi.org/10.24036/jst.v9i2.1347
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Articles
Copyright (c) 2026 Deby Tri Mario, Zikri Muthahari, Pramudya Wisnu Priambodo, Iqbal Maulana, Yovhandra Ockta, Idarul Hafni, Rahman Rahman, Iken Rahma Mahesty, Salma Alfina Putri Nada
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
