Spatial reasoning is indeed correlated to mathematical talent, but from this study you cannot really conclude that running == better math. In any case, one more datum to the tons of evidence showing that exercise is good for you :-)
I see some combination involving running, a double-n-back program, a GPS receiver and goggles with a head up display yielding some iteractive think-while-you-run training regime.
Achievement unlocked: used the program for 100 hours without being run over by a car.
Just read your post - very detailed and informative, thanks so much for sharing.
I highly recommend "Moonwalking With Einstein" by Joshua Foer about his experiences training alongside memory championship competitors. Also, working memory tends to be domain-specific and there's little transfer as you mention, see K. Anders Ericsson: http://www.psy.fsu.edu/faculty/ericsson/ericsson.exp.perf.ht...
Really enjoyed your post though, shooting you an email now...
The software claims to replicate the physiological effects of running. If a person combined a consistent exercise regime with this software training, will he/she turn into a genius?
I would argue that it takes a lot more spatial reasoning to balance over uneven terrain by manipulating many-jointed arms and legs then to wasd your way around a map that's mostly smooth.
And yet, there's plenty of research showing spatial memory improvements through video games. Funny how that works out - high level navigational skills can be improved by deliberate practice and tasks of adaptive difficulty, whereas engaging in ordinary tasks honed by eons of evolution don't much affect it?
