Abstract

It is difficult to assess students' academic performance because there are a lot of factors that influence it: intelligence, motivation, socioeconomic aspects, family, environment, self-concept, self-esteem, education reforms and policies. For this reason, numerous studies try to define all these concepts involved in academic performance. However, there are few studies on the relationship between extracurricular activities and academic performance. This research study describes, through a bibliometric and thematic analysis of the scientific production over the past decade, the results of these studies regarding the influence of different extracurricular activities on academic performance. The conclusions of the study suggest that a moderate involvement in extracurricular activities is beneficial. In addition, the majority of the research reviewed in the current study defends the benefits of sport activities, supported especially in terms of prevention of cardiovascular diseases in childhood and adolescence.