Why Gym Class Matters:

 Playing ball builds bones, balance and muscle strength in schoolchildren

he results of a major study by researchers from the University of Southern Denmark and the University of Copenhagen show that the type of exercise that children get in school can boost their physical health.

According to data from the study, schoolchildren aged eight to ten years old “develop stronger bones, increased muscular strength, and improved balance” when they played ball games regularly or if their school activities included circuit training.

The study analyzed the bone and muscle health of 295 schoolchildren from Frederikssund and Copenhagen for one whole school year. During this period, the children took part in the “FIT FIRST” training concept, which assessed the impact of different kinds of intense interval training at school.

Researchers Professor Peter Krustrup from the University of Copenhagen and Assistant Professor Malte Nejst Larsen from the University of Southern Denmark initiated the program, and it was implemented with help from sports coaches and schoolteachers.

For the study, the scientists took note of the physical changes that children who took the normal school PE classes experienced. The data from the first group was compared to the data gathered from children who “had intense exercise on the timetable for two hours a week in the form of ball games on small pitches or ‘circuit training’ consisting of gymnastic and strength exercises using their own body weight.” (Related: Adults and kids buck depression, anxiety and hyperactivity with exercise.)

Professor Krustrup, the project leader, explained that their research revealed that intense exercise at school positively affected bone density, muscular strength, and balance in children aged eight to ten years old. (MORE)

Source: Natural News