Can sport make us smarter?
Science explores the relationship between body and mind in a bid to determine whether physical exercise positively affects cognitive functions
Until two years ago, experts agreed on the beneficial impact of sport on cognition. In particular, its impact on our executive functions, which allow us to plan, solve problems, organize tasks and adapt to new situations. A slew of studies had supposedly endorsed the immediate benefits — that clarity we get after a run or a CrossFit session — and also the long-term cumulative advantages. Although children and older people were the main winners, all age groups could apparently become smarter by being more active.
