22 Aug Early Life Intelligence Linked To Better Physical Fitness in Middle Age

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Rikke Hodal Meincke PhD student
Center for Healthy Aging and the Department of Public Health
University of Copenhagen

Medical Research: What is the background for this study?

Response: A sufficient level of physical capability is a precondition for maintaining independence and quality of life. Physical capability can be assessed objectively by tests of physical performance, for instance handgrip strength, chair-rising and postural balance. Physical performance is associated with mortality and disability in late life, so gaining insights into the variance in physical performance is important to promote sustained physical capability and prevent disability. Research has previously found physical activity, health status and socioeconomic position to be associated with physical performance. In addition, early life factors, such as childhood SEP, have been found to be associated with measures of physical performance later in life. The objective of our study was to examine the association between intelligence in early adulthood and midlife physical performance in Danish men.

If an association between intelligence in early life and midlife physical performance exists it may indicate that cognitive abilities and physical performance share some of the same neurodevelopmental processes, but may also indicate that intelligence has an independent effect on later physical performance through various pathways.

Medical Research: What are the main findings?

Response: In our study of more than 2800 Danish men, we found positive associations between intelligence in early adulthood and five objective measures of physical performance in midlife independent of other early life factors. A one standard deviation increase in intelligence score resulted in 1.1 more chair-rises in 30 seconds, a 1 cm higher jump, a 3.7% smaller balance area, a 0.7 kg increase in handgrip-strength, and a 0.5 kg increase in lower back force.

Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?

Response: This knowledge can be used in the development of interventions which should be designed to address people with different cognitive abilities. Furthermore, policy-makers and scientists should bear in mind that the prevention of mobility limitations in midlife might need to start early in life.

Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?

Response: Future research should look into the mechanisms behind the association between intelligence and physical performance, for instance if physical activity or other lifestyle factors mediate the relationship. When the mechanisms are better understood, interventions aiming to prevent mobility limitations should incorporate this knowledge.

Citation:

H. Meincke, M. Osler, E. L. Mortensen, A. M. Hansen. Is Intelligence in Early Adulthood Associated With Midlife Physical Performance Among Danish Males?Journal of Aging and Health, 2015; DOI:10.1177/0898264315594139

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Rikke Hodal Meincke (2015). Early Life Intelligence Linked To Better Physical Fitness in Middle Age 

Last Updated on August 25, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD