BY TAYLA LEE
Local researchers have used strands of hair to determine the impact of short, high intensity exercise on stress levels in senior high school students.
670 students across regional NSW, including from Swansea, Belmont, Lambton and the Hunter School of Performing Arts were involved in the six-month 'Burn 2 Learn' study.
Two to three 10-minute HIIT sessions were included in their curriculum per week.
It found exercise led to improved memory, physical fitness and a reduction in cortisol levels, or stress hormones in hair strands.
He says they hope the findings push this program to become a compulsory component of senior curriculum in NSW high schools.
“It can be really tricky to motivate high school students when they’re facing school and exam stresses. As with all of us, commitment to physical activity can slide when life gets busy, which is why we found it effective to lead the sessions as part of our usual lesson planning".
“We also can’t assume every child has equal access to a gym or organized sport outside of school, so the Burn 2 Learn program was a great way to ensure equitable access for all students."
“I truly believe equipping young Australians with the skills to maintain lifelong health and fitness is just as important as subjects like English or Mathematics.
Study participant and Deputy Principal, Michelle Maher, said “The biggest benefits were increased focus in afternoon sessions, and a very positive impact on stress management from a student perspective".
The study involved collaborators from the University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Australian Catholic University, Northeastern University Boston, University of Wollongong, University of Southern Queensland and Deakin University.
