Measuring the oxygen supply to the brain of children by means of near infrared spectroscopy under the “Moving School” project

Abstract

Introduction Akinesia and its ambivalent side effects are counted among the biggest challenges of modern industrialized societies. The holistic approach of “Moving school” [1] is meeting the challenge of tasks in the educational sector considering an appropriate space in everyday school life. The study investigated cerebral and muscular tissue-oxygenation changes when performing regular activities in every day school life, comparing the “Moving school” with a traditional school concept. Methods By means of near-infrared-spectroscopy (fNIRS [2] ) a not invasive screening set was developed to detect regional and global oxygen saturation parameters. In a long-term study with three measuring times [3] 137 primary-school pupils of both sexes (intervention group: 67; traditional classes: 70) were occupied with dissolving mathematical problems and a motor exercise strengthening the forearm. Tissue oxygenation was measured by four optodes in both cerebral hemispheres (prefrontal cortex), the non-dominating arm (high/deep finger bender) as well as the right leg (calf-muscle). Additionally, the perfusion index of oxygen saturation and heart rate was recorded. Results When performing cognitive exercises and muscular activities, it has been shown that the corresponding parameters in case of immediate stress are either decreasing or increasing. Beginning with targeted intervention respectively the distress of connected organs, we could identify immediate, significant changes when calculating (Δ rSO2max = left hemisphere: 3.16, P Conclusion The study shows that the concept of “Moving school” is very beneficial in terms of physical and mental development. It is absolutely advisable to integrate the whole body into all sectors of learning processes by means of regular exercises.