Sitting For Extended Periods Of Time In Class Can Negatively Influence Students’ Health

February 7, 2020

Although a classroom may not be a student’s favorite place to spend their time, a new study conducted by researchers from UCLA has identified yet another variable that could affect students’ health: sitting.

The study revealed that sitting for extended periods of time, as most college students are used to doing during class, can increase the risk of disease. The researchers say it’s important that universities make a concerted effort to create opportunities for students to stand up, walk around, and stretch throughout class.

“A cultural change has to take place — that it’s OK to take a stretch break, to stand up during a lecture, to fidget when needed — it’s ‘good’ for health’s sake,” said Angelia Leung, a professor in the World Arts & Cultures/Dance Department. “My students have an excuse because dance classes naturally involve movement, but we can extend these benefits to any class on campus with something as simple as short stretching breaks — no dancing required.”

Misconceptions about moving

The researchers were most interested in learning what students and faculty already knew about sitting still for too long and how they felt about incorporating more movement into class times. They conducted focus groups with undergraduate and graduate students, as well as with several faculty members, to gauge their understanding of the risks associated with being sedentary for long periods of time.

None of the students were concerned about the health risks associated with sitting throughout longer class times, though they did mention feeling self-conscious about getting up or walking around in the middle of class — even in classes with fewer students. Professors were similarly unaware of how being still for too long can be bad for students’ health.

A number of the participants also thought that being active later in the day would be able to reverse the effects of sitting for long periods of time, which researcher Burt Cowgill explained is false.

“Many people thought they would be fine if they also squeezed in a 30-minute jog, and that’s just not what research shows us,” Cowgill said.

The researchers cited previous studies that have linked prolonged sitting with increased risks for diseases and conditions ranging from obesity and heart disease to cancer and diabetes.

Read the entire article with Consumer Affairs.


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Harlem World Magazine, 2521 1/2 west 42nd street, Los Angeles, CA, 90008, https://www.harlemworldmagazine.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
We're your source for local coverage, we count on your support. SPONSOR US!
Your support is crucial in maintaining a healthy democracy and quality journalism. With your contribution, we can continue to provide engaging news and free access to all.
accepted credit cards

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles