Quick access to main page (top) Direct access to main contents Quick access to main page (bottom)

Can Exercise Really Improve Intelligence? New Study Reveals Surprising Results

wikitree Views  

At first glance, exercise and IQ (Intelligence Quotient) might seem unrelated. However, numerous studies have shown that physical activity can boost cognitive functions in adolescents, including memory, attention, and executive function. But can exercise improve general intelligence, including IQ? Based on exciting research released last month, let’s explore this question.

At the Keimyung University Seongseo Campus sports field in Dalseo-gu, Daegu, the women\'s soccer teams representing Yame City, Japan, and Daegu City, Korea, face off in a thrilling match under heavy rain during the 2023 Daegu International Youth Sports Festival. / News1
At the Keimyung University Seongseo Campus sports field in Dalseo-gu, Daegu, the women’s soccer teams representing Yame City, Japan, and Daegu City, Korea, face off in a thrilling match under heavy rain during the 2023 Daegu International Youth Sports Festival. / News1

On November 9, researchers from the University of Almería in Spain published a study in the international journal Pediatrics, revealing that structured physical activity programs can effectively boost intelligence in teens’ intelligence.

The team analyzed data from 3,203 participants across 14 randomized controlled trials, assessing how exercise impacts overall intelligence.

They categorized intelligence into two main subtypes for analysis. First up: fluid intelligence. This is your ability to think logically, solve new problems, and adapt to unfamiliar situations. It’s crucial for tackling those tricky, never-seen-before challenges.

The second type is crystallized intelligence. Think of this as your mental library – all the knowledge, skills, and experiences you’ve gathered over time. It shows up in your vocabulary, factual knowledge, and other learned abilities. While fluid intelligence peaks in early adulthood, crystallized intelligence keeps improving as you age.

Here’s the exciting part: the study found that exercise programs positively impact intelligence across the board. This effect was consistent for kids with both standard and low IQ levels, regardless of how long they exercised. The biggest boost was in fluid intelligence.

Get this: exercise programs bumped up kids’ and teens’ IQ scores by an average of 4 points. The researchers say that’s like gaining a whole extra year of education!

The research team emphasized, “What’s important is that regular exercise contributes not only to physical health but also to cognitive development, particularly enhancing intelligence.”

At the POSCO Education Foundation gymnasium in Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Kim Gaon, a member of the Korean national team, prepares for an attack during the \
At the POSCO Education Foundation gymnasium in Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Kim Gaon, a member of the Korean national team, prepares for an attack during the “2024 Korea-Japan Youth Table Tennis Exchange Match.”/ News1

Moreover, these brain-boosting benefits didn’t depend on age or how long the exercise program lasted. This suggests that getting active can lift your cognitive skills at any development stage.

Javier Morales, who led the study, was particularly excited about one finding: “It was particularly noteworthy that children with lower baseline intelligence also experienced significant improvements, indicating that exercise can serve as an inclusive and effective intervention for diverse populations.”

“This means that encouraging children and adolescents to participate in structured physical activities can have lasting positive effects on their intellectual capabilities, as well as other areas of their lives, such as happiness, socioeconomic success, and even future health,” he added.

wikitree
content@viewusglobal.com

Comments0

300

Comments0

[LIFESTYLE] Latest Stories

  • Wegovy Maker Strikes $1B Deal for Next-Gen Obesity Treatment
  • This Celebrity Lost 7kg—and Her Diet Includes ...
  • Red vs. White Wine: Which Is Riskier for Cancer? New Study Has the Answer
  • Breakfast vs. Dinner: Which Meal Should You Load Up On for Better Health?
  • Eat More Greens—But Skip the Fake Stuff, Scientists Warn
  • Veggies vs. IBD: New Research Says the Right Diet Might Be a Game-Changer