Revenge of the...Jocks?

We've all witnessed it: that meathead football player you surreptitiously despised in high school pushing the door that says 'pull,' smashing those tiny cardboard cafeteria milk cartons against his forehead, ending his sentences with prepositions...I digress. But is there actually any truth to the long-standing stereotype that associates athleticism with stupidity?

Apparently, not anymore.

A study conducted by Laura Chaddock et al. and published by Brain Research found a positive correlation between preadolescent fitness and relational memory, which deals with visual and spatial retention. Fitness levels were measured objectively using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) equipment to assess how efficiently children used oxygen while exercising on a treadmill.

One important aspect to note, however, is that the kids who were deemed 'fitter' than their age-related counterparts had, on average, larger (in volume) hippocampi. Considering that larger hippocampi are associated with better cognitive performance, a causal relationship between preadolescent fitness and superior relational memory skills may not be entirely accurate.

Of course, this doesn't mean that the dreams of all those pee wee football prodigies should be crushed quite yet--but it is something to consider before you start making your little brother run sprints in the backyard while simultaneously reciting his times tables.

Click here to judge for yourself.