This study tests whether a simulated active commute to school dampens cardiovascular reactivity to a cognitive stressor typical to what children might experience during school.
- Forty children (20 girls and 20 boys) aged 10-14 yr were randomly assigned to simulated sedentary drive-to-school or active-commute (walking) groups.
- Children in the walking group had lower heart rate, systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and perceived stress reactivities to cognitive stress than the control group.
- Active commuting to school may dampen cardiovascular reactivity and perceived stress when confronted with stressful cognitive challenges during the school day. This may help reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease later in life.
Lambiase, Maya J., Barry, Heather, M., and Roemmich, James N. “Effect of a Simulated Active Commute to School on Cardiovascular Stress Reactivity.” Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 42.8 (2010): 1609-1616.
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