IQ stands for intelligence quotient, and IQ tests aim to measure a person's intelligence. It consists of different areas including but not limited to reasoning, induction, spatial visualization and verbal comprehension. Its earliest uses were employed to identify students with reduced mental capacity. While scientific research supports the idea that intelligence is largely an inherited trait, certain outside factors, such as increased physical exercise, have been shown to increase IQ.
Exercise and Brain Health
Exercise increases the amount of blood, oxygen and glucose -- the body's primary energy source -- that reaches the brain. Psychologist Richard E. Nesbitt, who authored a book on increasing intelligence, says physical activity involving the large muscle groups increases the production of neurons, which are brain cells that process and transmit information.
Children's IQ and Exercise
A study conducted at Georgia Health Sciences University, the findings of which were published in the January 2011 issue of "Health Psychology," sought to examine the effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive function and academic achievement. Gwen Dewar PhD, who reviewed the study, says increases in IQ were modest but statistically significant. The more exercise the better it seems -- the group that exercised the longest had greater increases.
Young Adult's IQ and Exercise
A Swedish study published in a 2009 issue of "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences" compiled data of over 1.2 million Swedish men in the military to examine possible links between fitness and intelligence. Researchers examined results of IQ and fitness tests at the time the men enrolled and found a strong link between high levels of fitness and higher IQ scores. These men scored particularly strong in aspects of the test dealing with logical thinking and verbal comprehension.
Pre-Natal Exercise and Children's IQ
For women currently expecting a child or planning to become pregnant, your level of physical activity during pregnancy could influence your child's intelligence. According to Nesbitt, children whose mothers exercised about 30 minutes a day during pregnancy scored about eight points higher on IQ tests compared to those whose mothers did not exercise. If you add breastfeeding for at least six months into the mix, your child's IQ could go up an additional six points.
References
- Science Daily; Young Adults Who Exercise Get Higher IQ Scores;December 2009
- Baby Center; Exercise Improves Math Scores?; Gwen Dewar PhD; February 2011
- The Franklin Institute; The Human Brain; Physical Exercise for a Better Brain
- The Sunday Times; Mums Who Exercise Boost Baby's IQ; May 2009
- "Health Psychology"; Exercise improves executive function and achievement and alters brain activation in overweight children: a randomized, controlled trial; Davis CL; January 2011
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