Boys who are very physically active during their early years of school may have better reading and math skills, a new study suggests.

Researchers in Finland studied the link between physical and sedentary behaviour, and reading and arithmetic skills among almost 190 children aged between six and eight. They found that boys who were more physically active at break time had better reading skills.

They also found that those who took part in more organised sports tested better in arithmetic, while boys who walked or cycled to school had better reading skills than those who did not.

The link between physical activity and reading and arithmetic skills was not as strong in girls.

According to the researchers from the University of Eastern Finland, the findings highlight the importance of physical activity during break times and participation in organised sports.

They suggest that in particular, boys may benefit from higher levels of physical activity in thier early years, including walking or cycling to school.

Details of these findings are published in the journal PLoS ONE.