Researchers link higher intelligence score with physical fitness

Washington DC: In a new study, researchers have linked a higher intelligence score in early adulthood with better physical performance in mid life.

The study comprised of 2,848 Danish males born in 1953 and in 1959-61 and the researchers studied the association between male intelligence in early adulthood and their subsequent physical performance.

Rikke Hodal Meincke of the Center for Healthy Aging and the Department of Public Health said their study showed that the higher intelligence score in early adulthood, the stronger the participants' back, legs and hands were in midlife, adding that their balance was also better.

The resulted revealed a 10-point increase in intelligence score, 0.5 kg increase in lower back force, 1 cm increase in jumping height, 0.7 kg increase in hand-grip strength, 3.7 percent improved balance, and 1.1 more chair-rises in 30 seconds.

Meincke said that a feasible explanation for this connection between male intelligence in early adulthood and their midlife physical performance could be that people with a higher intelligence score found it easier to understand and interpret health information and thus have a healthier lifestyle.

The study is published in the journal of Aging and Health.