Physical Activity Boosts IQ in Kids and Teens

The following is excerpted from an online article posted by PsyPost.

Exercise is often celebrated for its role in keeping children physically fit, but what if it could also boost brainpower? A recent meta-analysis published in Pediatrics has demonstrated that structured physical activity programs improve intelligence in young people. The study found a 4-point average increase in IQ scores among participants, highlighting the critical role of exercise in shaping both mind and body during childhood and adolescence.

“Our interest in this topic stems from the growing body of evidence, including previous work by Francisco B. Ortega, Kirk I. Erickson, and Óscar Martínez-de-Quel—co-authors of this study—on the link between physical activity and cognitive development in youth. By exploring the potential of exercise as a tool to enhance intelligence, we aimed to shed light on a practical and accessible strategy to support children’s development,” explained corresponding author Javier S. Morales, a Ramón y Cajal Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Almería and co-director of Fissac.

The researchers used a meta-analysis, a research method that combines and statistically analyzes the results of multiple studies to draw broader conclusions. In this case, the researchers aggregated data from 14 randomized controlled trials involving 3,203 participants. Meta-analyses are particularly useful for synthesizing findings from individual studies that may vary in sample size or methodology, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the topic. By pooling results, the researchers assessed the overall impact of exercise interventions on intelligence while accounting for variations across the included studies.

The findings revealed a significant positive impact of exercise interventions on intelligence. This effect was observed across various subgroups, including children with normal and low baseline IQ levels, and was consistent regardless of intervention duration. Additionally, the researchers found significant benefits for fluid intelligence. While evidence for improvements in crystallized intelligence was limited, one study did report gains in this domain for children with obesity.

“The key takeaway is that regular exercise not only benefits physical health but also contributes to cognitive development, specifically improvements in intelligence (including both general and fluid intelligence),” Morales told PsyPost.

Source: PsyPost
https://www.psypost.org/physical-activity-boosts-iq-in-kids-and-teens/