Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 23, 2026

Autonomic Function Following Concussion in Youth Athletes: An Exploration of Heart Rate Variability Using 24-hour Recording Methodology
Published on: September 21, 2018
Compensation for Adolescents' School Mental Load by Physical Activity on Weekend Days
Michal Kudláček1,2, Karel Frömel3, Lukáš Jakubec4
1Faculty of Physical Culture, Institute of Active Lifestyle, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc 77111, Czech Republic. michal.kudlacek@upol.cz.
Introduction And Objective:
Increasing mental load and inadequate stress management significantly affect the efficiency, success and safety of the educational/working process in adolescents. The objective of this study is to determine the extent that adolescents compensate for their school mental load by physical activity (PA) on weekend days and, thus, to contribute to the objective measurement of mental load in natural working conditions.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2013 and April 2014. A set of different methods was employed-self-administered questionnaire (IPAQ-long questionnaire), objective measurements-pedometers, and accelerometers (ActiTrainers). They was distributed to 548 students from 17 high schools. Participants' mental load was assessed based on the difference between PA intensity and/or physical inactivity and heart rate range.
Results:
The participants with the highest mental load during school lessons do not compensate for this load by PA on weekend days.
Conclusions:
Adolescents need to be encouraged to be aware of their subjective mental load and to intentionally compensate for this load by PA on weekend days. It is necessary to support the process of adopting habits by sufficient physical literacy of students, as well as teachers, and by changes in the school program.
Related Concept Videos
Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques III
The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
Regular physical activity is essential for reducing stress and promoting cardiovascular health. Exercise strengthens the heart, enhances blood flow, keeps blood vessels flexible, and helps lower blood pressure, all of which reduce the body's stress response. Research shows that adults who exercise regularly have nearly half the...
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
Coping Strategies: Problem Focused
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...
Bullying

