Having the festive blues? What if we tell you that climbing the stairs for six minutes (if you do not have any other medical conditions, that forbid it) could lift your mood? A new study has found that climbing stairs can both lift your mood and also enhance your brain function.
According to a study published in the Journal of Cognitive Enhancement, short bursts of energy such as climbing stairs can improve cognitive performance and mood.
In the study 'Stair Climbing Improves Cognitive Switching Performance and Mood in
Healthy Young Adults
: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial', there were 52 participants aged between 18 and 24, in a crossover trial comparing six one-minute intervals of stair climbing to a control session involving no exercise. The participants showed improvement in cognitive performance and also appeared to be happier and more energetic.
“Collectively, these results demonstrate that interval stair climbing can confer immediate psychological benefits, providing further evidence in support of stair climbing as a promising means to address physical inactivity issues.” said lead author Dr. Andreas Stenling from Umea University.
The study also found that there was no difference in benefits between male and female participants, and their previous levels of physical activity had no effect on the results. “These results show that stair climbing can confer psychological benefits irrespective of sex or physical activity habits, making it a viable option for individuals of all activity levels,” Dr. Stenling added.
“The psychological benefits are encouraging given the ease with which stairs can be accessed in many daytime environments (workplaces, schools, and dwellings), making it feasible for a significant proportion of the global population to incorporate stair climbing into their daily lives,” the study said.
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Meanwhile, a recent research from the University of Sydney also found out that 4 or 5 minutes of intense exercise can reduce cardiovascular events. The risk of such events is slashed by half if they engage in small bouts of intense exercise every day. Simple exercises such as stair climbing, carrying shopping, uphill walking, playing tag with a child or pet, or either uphill or power walking can boost cardiovascular health.
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