Researchers in Sweden have found another potential benefit for children who play sport: in a study published last week it was reported that teenage boys who frequently played sport were smarter then those who did not.

The study looked at data from 1.2 million Swedish 15-18 year olds from when the men went for mandatory military duty, finding that those with greater cardiovascular fitness also had higher intelligence.

The study then looked at all of the twins in the group, finding that the fitter twin on average also had a higher intelligence score.

The researchers highlighted that more research will be necessary to assess causality, and commented that they believe the data should also apply to girls.

From www.smh.com.au.

Writer Tristan Boyd, Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha.