[333] ‘MTSU On the Record’ puts movement into mental part of schoolwork

MURFREESBORO — Incorporating more physical activity into youngsters’ classroom work is the topic of the next “MTSU On the Record” radio program.

Host Gina Logue’s interview with MTSU doctoral student Holly Huddleston will air from 9:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, and from 6 to 6:30 a.m. Sunday, March 12, on WMOT-FM Roots Radio 89.5 and www.wmot.org.

Huddleston, along with assistant professor Vaughn Barry and professor Jennifer Caputo of the Department of Health and Human Performance, conducted a study in which 33 children in second, third and fourth grades wore electronic armbands to monitor their energy expenditure during academic activities.

The researchers found that the kids put more physical energy into science than language arts, math, art or music. They also found that finding ways to put more movement into academic activities can have physical, cognitive and behavioral benefits. The study was published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health.

“All the dimensions of wellness are very much intertwined,” said Huddleston. “Our cognitive health, our physical health, our emotional health and our social health — they all affect each other. And for us to focus on one but not be aware that it affects the other is a little bit neglectful.”

Huddleston, who lives in Nashville, Tennessee, is a health fitness specialist with the American College of Sports Medicine and has been a first aid and CPR instructor since 1997.

To hear previous “MTSU On the Record” programs, go to http://bit.ly/mtsu-otr.

For more information, contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.