Reading Comprehension While Sitting Versus Walking Original Research
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Keywords
Workstation, productivity, health benefits
Abstract
Introduction: Sitting jobs among American workers have increased. The purpose of this study was to determine if walking (vs. sitting) impacts reading comprehension.
Methods: Participants included 40 college students (17-24 years, 22 males and 18 females), eight non-athletes and thirty-two athletes. Testing took approximately 30 minutes per participant. Heart rate was measured utilizing a watch, and reading comprehension was determined using an online test. Paired t-tests determined statistical differences in reading comprehension, total test time, and heart rate.
Results: No significant difference was found in reading comprehension while walking (2.0 ± 1.55) and sitting (2.65 ± 1.55, p = 0.053). Heart rate was significantly higher during walking than sitting (BPM = 89.5 ± 14.51 vs. 79.4 ± 13.58, p< 0.001). Time to complete the reading comprehension test was significantly lower during walking vs. sitting (289.8s ± 78.94 vs 346.3s ± 123.44, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: Walking on a treadmill did not significantly affect reading comprehension compared to sitting. However, differences were approaching significance (p = 0.053), indicating a trend towards lower reading comprehension scores while walking. Heart rate was lower while sitting vs. walking, as expected. In contrast, participants completed the reading comprehension test faster while walking.
References
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