Regular physical activity may do more than just improve physical health—it could also boost intelligence in children and adolescents. A recent meta-analysis of 14 randomized controlled trials involving 3,203 participants found that exercise interventions led to significant improvements in both general and fluid intelligence.
The findings, published in Pediatrics, suggest that children who participate in structured exercise programs experience an average IQ increase of 4 points. The study also found notable gains in fluid intelligence, a cognitive ability linked to problem-solving and reasoning.
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How Exercise Impacts Intelligence
Researchers analyzed data from children and adolescents aged 5 to 14 years to assess how exercise influences cognitive abilities. The results showed that participants in exercise intervention programs outperformed those in control groups in terms of intelligence measures.
The study found a standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.54 for general intelligence, translating to an IQ increase of 4 points. For fluid intelligence, the improvement was smaller but still significant, with an SMD of 0.20. Fluid intelligence refers to the ability to think logically, solve novel problems, and adapt to new situations—skills essential for learning and academic success.
Researchers could not analyze crystallized intelligence—the ability to use learned knowledge and experience—due to a lack of sufficient studies on this aspect. However, the consistent gains in general and fluid intelligence suggest that regular exercise plays a vital role in cognitive development.
Who Benefits the Most?
One of the most significant findings was that exercise interventions benefited children and adolescents regardless of their baseline IQ levels. The improvements were seen in both those with low/borderline IQ and those with normal IQ.
Age also did not appear to be a limiting factor. The study found that both children and adolescents experienced cognitive gains from physical activity, reinforcing the idea that exercise remains beneficial throughout different developmental stages.
Additionally, the duration of the exercise interventions did not significantly impact the results. Whether short-term or long-term programs, all seemed to contribute positively to intelligence levels.
The Science Behind the Connection
While the study did not pinpoint the exact mechanisms behind the cognitive boost, previous research suggests that physical activity enhances brain function through several biological and psychological processes. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, promotes the release of neurotrophic factors that support neuron growth, and reduces inflammation and stress hormones that can negatively impact cognitive function.
Furthermore, physical activity has been linked to better attention, memory, and executive function, all of which contribute to intelligence and academic performance. These effects may be especially crucial during childhood and adolescence, when the brain is still developing.
Limitations and Areas for Future Research
Despite the promising findings, researchers acknowledged some limitations in their analysis. The heterogeneity of the studies—including differences in exercise types, duration, and participant characteristics—could have influenced the results. Additionally, since crystallized intelligence was not assessed, it remains unclear whether exercise improves knowledge retention and learned skills over time.
Further research is needed to determine the optimal type, intensity, and duration of exercise for maximizing cognitive benefits. Long-term studies could also help understand whether these intelligence gains persist into adulthood.
The Takeaway
The findings add to growing evidence that exercise is not just beneficial for physical health but also for brain development. Schools, parents, and policymakers may consider integrating more structured physical activity programs into daily routines to support both cognitive and physical well-being.
As researchers continue to explore the connection between exercise and intelligence, one thing remains clear—staying active can be a powerful tool for brain health.
