According to a new study which examined the link between fitness and intelligence, classroom learning is not the only way to boost IQ. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences followed over 1.2 million Swedish men. Researchers measured fitness level and IQ at age 18 years when they enlisted in the military and tracked academic achievement and job and socioeconomic status later in life.  

Researchers found that higher cardiovascular fitness was linked to better scores on IQ tests while muscular strength showed little relationship to IQ.  They also reported that fit teens were more likely to obtain a college degree and land better jobs up to 36 years later compared to unfit teens. Fit teens also had higher paying jobs and were more likely to have management responsibilities than unfit teens.

To determine whether genetics or cardiovascular fitness played a more important role in determining IQ, researchers examined the same factors in brothers and identical and non-identical twins of the subjects. They concluded that high IQ scores were linked more to environment than genetics. This is good news for teachers and parents as they have the ability to influence environment by encouraging physical activity.

Another part of the study looked at whether changes in cardiovascular fitness between age 15 and 18 years was related to changes in intelligence scores. Teens that showed improvements in aerobic capacity between age 15 and 18 years had significantly higher IQ scores than those showing a decline in aerobic capacity.  This data supports a link between between cardiovascular fitness and intelligence during the teen years.   

The results of this large study emphasize the importance of physical education in schools and the need to encourage physical activity in children and teens in a variety of settings. Fitness might just be the edge that kids need to get into top colleges and ultimately higher paying jobs. Investing in a child’s physical fitness is also an investment in their future success. 

We encourage you to log onto facebook and share any unique, fun and successful programs you have used to promote fitness in teens and children! 

Aberg, M.A., Pedersen, N.L., Toren, K. et al. (2010). Cardiovascular fitness is associated with cognition in young adulthood. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 106(49), 20906-20911.