Aerobic Fitness Makes Teens Smarter

Friday, December 11, 2009 - Byron Richards, CCN

A Swedish study evaluating the fitness and IQ of 1.2 million 18 year olds found that those who had better aerobic fitness between the ages of 15-18 had significantly higher IQ at age 18 – and were more likely to go on to be successful in terms of education and income.  The study also evaluated twins and showed that IQ was far more associated with fitness than genes. 

Aerobic fitness improves the flow of blood to your brain, thus enabling nutrients and oxygen to arrive at a higher level.  New science also shows that aerobic exercise stimulates the production of BDNF, in turn making new brain cells and new brain cell connections.

There is a higher level of potential brain plasticity throughout all of childhood and even into you adulthood.  Aerobic fitness, good nutrition, and problem solving skills are the keys to helping any person have a better chance for success.

The authors concluded, “These data substantiate that physical exercise could be an important instrument for public health initiatives to optimize educational achievements, cognitive performance, as well as disease prevention at the society level.”

Related Entries: BDNF at the Crossroads of Brain Function & Metabolism
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