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Exercise Interventions and Intelligence in Children and Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis
Javier S Morales1,2, Pedro L Valenzuela3,4, Óscar Martínez-de-Quel5,6
1MOVE-IT Research Group, Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Education Sciences, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain.
Pediatrics
|November 7, 2024
Summary
Physical exercise significantly boosts intelligence in children and adolescents, improving general and fluid intelligence by an average of 4 IQ points. These benefits were consistent across various age groups and intelligence levels.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Cognitive Science
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Evidence on exercise interventions' impact on youth intelligence is mixed.
- Previous studies have not conclusively determined the effect of physical activity on cognitive development in children and adolescents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the effect of physical exercise interventions on intelligence measures in children and adolescents.
- To synthesize findings from randomized controlled trials on exercise and youth intelligence.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Scopus.
- A random-effects meta-analysis included 14 randomized controlled trials with 3203 participants (aged 5-14 years).
- Subanalyses explored moderators like baseline intelligence quotient (IQ), age, and intervention duration.
Main Results:
- Exercise interventions significantly enhanced general intelligence (SMD = 0.54, P = .01), equating to an average IQ score increase of 4.0 points.
- Significant improvements were also noted in fluid intelligence (SMD = 0.20, P = .006).
- Benefits were observed across participants with varying IQ levels and across different intervention durations.
Conclusions:
- Physical exercise interventions are linked to significant improvements in general and fluid intelligence in youth.
- While heterogeneity exists, the findings support exercise as a strategy to enhance cognitive function in young individuals.
- Further research may explore effects on crystallized intelligence and long-term cognitive outcomes.
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