A systematic review of physical activity (PA), fitness, cognitive function, and academic achievement in children aged 5-13 years found that PA and fitness positively influence cognitive function, learning, brain structure, and brain function. However, evidence on PA's effects on learning is limited. PA is associated with brain regions involved in complex cognitive processes and shows favorable results in academic achievement, though controlled experiments show mixed outcomes. Limitations include a lack of randomized controlled trials, limited powered studies, and insufficient information on confounders. The review suggests PA has a positive influence on cognition and brain structure/function, but more research is needed to determine mechanisms and long-term impacts. The Evidence Category rating for PA is B, while for academic achievement it is C. The literature suggests PA and PE have a neutral effect on academic achievement. The review highlights the need for further research to understand how to best incorporate PA into schools and to translate findings to real-world settings.A systematic review of physical activity (PA), fitness, cognitive function, and academic achievement in children aged 5-13 years found that PA and fitness positively influence cognitive function, learning, brain structure, and brain function. However, evidence on PA's effects on learning is limited. PA is associated with brain regions involved in complex cognitive processes and shows favorable results in academic achievement, though controlled experiments show mixed outcomes. Limitations include a lack of randomized controlled trials, limited powered studies, and insufficient information on confounders. The review suggests PA has a positive influence on cognition and brain structure/function, but more research is needed to determine mechanisms and long-term impacts. The Evidence Category rating for PA is B, while for academic achievement it is C. The literature suggests PA and PE have a neutral effect on academic achievement. The review highlights the need for further research to understand how to best incorporate PA into schools and to translate findings to real-world settings.