________ A to Z kerala .......... [kvk] [www.atozkerala.in , www.atozkerala.blogspot.com] The introduction of standing desks in
classrooms could make children smarter by improving their cognitive
performance, a new study by an Indian-origin researcher has found.
The
study provides the first evidence of neurocognitive benefits of
stand-height desks in classrooms, where students are given the choice to
stand or sit based on their preferences, researchers said.
Ranjana
Mehta, assistant professor at the Texas A&M Health Science Centre
School of Public Health, researched high school students with who used
standing desks. Testing was performed at the beginning and again at the
end of their freshman year.
Through using an experimental design,
Mehta explored the neurocognitive benefits using four computerised
tests to assess executive functions. Executive functions are cognitive
skills we all use to analyse tasks, break them into steps and keep them
in mind until we get them done.
These skills are directly related
to the development of many academic skills that allow students to
manage their time effectively, memorise facts, understand what they
read, solve multi-step problems and organise their thoughts in writing.
Because
these functions are largely regulated in the frontal brain regions, a
portable brain-imaging device (functional near infrared spectroscopy)
was used to examine associated changes in the frontal brain function by
placing biosensors on students' foreheads during testing.
"Test
results indicated that continued use of standing desks was associated
with significant improvements in executive function and working memory
capabilities," Mehta said.
"Changes in corresponding brain
activation patterns were also observed," she said.In earlier studies
that primarily focused on energy expenditure, teachers observed
increased attention and better behaviour of students using standing
desks.
Mehta's research is the first study not subject to bias or
interpretation that objectively exams students' cognitive responses and
brain function while using standing desks.
"Interestingly, our
research showed the use of standing desks improved neurocognitive
function, which is consistent with results from previous studies on
school-based exercise programmes," Mehta said.
"This is the first
examination of students' cognitive responses to the standing desks,
which to date have focused largely on sedentary time as it relates to
childhood obesity," added Mark Benden, co-researcher and director of the
Texas A&M Ergonomics Centre.
Continued investigation of this
research may have strong implications for policy makers, public health
professionals and school administrators to consider simple and
sustainable environmental changes in classrooms that can effectively
increase energy expenditure and physical activity as well as enhance
cognitive development and education outcomes.
The findings were published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
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