Many pediatric health care providers have suggested that there are benefits of physical activity on cognitive function in children and adolescents. However, much of the support for this claim comes from studies describing correlations between changes in activity and cognitive function. In this issue of Pediatrics, Dr Morales et al focus on studies that can assess the potential causal association between physical activity and intelligence.

This systematic review and meta-analysis was restricted to randomized controlled clinical trials that used an “exercise as medicine” approach. In this report, subjects in exercise intervention groups had an overall 4-point increase in IQ scores compared with those in control groups. The findings were similar for those whose IQ was in the normal range and for those who were low or borderline. This is the same magnitude of IQ point change associated with breastfeeding for 12 months compared with breastfeeding for less...

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