Noise and Stress in Primary and Secondary School Children: Noise Reduction and Increased Concentration Ability Through a Short but Regular Exercise and Relaxation Program

The present study examined whether a short but regularly used program of relaxation, applied to Primary and Secondary school children, could (a) reduce noise levels (in decibels), (b) reduce pupils' experienced stress levels, and (c) increase the pupils' ability to concentrate, as measured by teachers' estimates. Noise levels in 5 classrooms (84 participants) were measured using sound monitors, before and after a 4-week long relaxation program, as well as when no relaxation training was provided. The results indicated that levels of noise were reduced significantly after the relaxation treatment. The results indicated no significant reduction of stress levels in the classes, but ability to concentrate increased among the pupils.