Competitive pressures in school, the demands of teachers and parents, as well as the inability to adjust to a new environment can cause stress in children. However, there are many ways to reduce stress. One is to get children walking to school.
The results of the study conducted by researchers from the University of Buffalo shows that children who walk to school have lower stress levels than those who use vehicles.
The study involved 20 boys and 20 girls aged 10-14 years. They perform two simulations: partly on foot and the rest of the simulation ride vehicle to school. Well when walking on a treadmill or "riding", these children are treated to impressions circumstances leading to the school environment.
Compared with the foot, the children who ride the vehicle has increasing heart rate and systolic blood pressure are three times higher. Decreased reactivity to stress, according to experts, will prevent heart disease later in life. In addition, on foot, child stress levels when taking tests can also be reduced.
"Cardiovascular disease process starts from childhood. Having said that, if we can slow down or prevent the process, must have great benefits," said James Roemmich, lead researcher. He suggested that parents and educators give more time to play and physical activity to their children.
As well as parents, children can also be stressful. In addition to pressure at school, many parents who home school children fill the time with a variety of tutoring so that children do not have time to play. "Physical activities such as walking to school need to be promoted," said Roemmich.
