A Child’s Sedentary Behavior Can be Avoided via Brief Intervals of Exercise

A new study conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) points out that a child’s sedentary behavior can be avoided via brief intervals of exercise. The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

Moreover, it was discovered that children who walk in nature boosted their blood sugar levels. So, it would be advisable for children to take breaks and walk during sedentary activities.

Blood sugar is a key factor for one’s health and metabolism. However, an exaggerated amount of sugar in one’s blood could have side effects, including fatigue and thirst, and could lead to diseases such as heart illnesses, obesity or type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes sufferers need insulin to maintain their blood sugar at reasonable amounts, as this disease would damage the circulatory system.

Researchers thought of a two-day experiment in which they monitored 28 children, with their ages in between 7 and 11. The experts who conducted the experiment allowed children to sit for approximately three hours, with a break every 30 minutes, in which they were asked to walk on a treadmill. The breaks’ interval accounted for 3 minutes. In the meanwhile, their blood sugar levels were recorded and analyzed. They also had to drink a sugary refreshment, so that the scientists could come to a specific conclusion regarding how their blood sugar would increase or decrease, according to how the sugar was processed. Moreover, the findings were precise and to the point: those who took breaks to walk would have a decreased level of both sugar and insulin in their blood.

Furthermore, the children who were monitored were permitted to choose specific food to have for lunch after the sitting/walking sessions. The study authors said that, essentially, the children did not consume more food than they generally would have.

Dr. Jack Yanovski, lead author of the study, reported that, while an interval of at least 30 minutes of physical exercise practiced daily was extremely beneficial to a child’s health, a short break during which the subjects exercised also brought upon some short-term benefits, to a certain degree.

Generally, research revealed the fact that sitting would definitely damage one’s health, whereas it could also lead to mental disorders such as anxiety or depression. To be more precise, a sedentary lifestyle brings upon illnesses and poses risks to your body and mind.

The conclusion of the study is that by exercising daily, your blood glucose levels remain normal and, therefore, type 2 diabetes is prevented.

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