How 10-minute stroll eases pain of a long drive: Walking relieves pressure on compressed body parts

  • Scientists measured the effectiveness of different types of comfort break methods using a driving simulator and a treadmill 
  • A short walk was found to provide the best solution for physical discomfort
  • Walking relieves pressure on compressed body parts and increases blood flow  

By Colin Fernandez Science Correspondent For The Daily Mail

Published: | Updated:

Feeling pain and stiffness on long car journeys can be avoided by taking a 10 minute stroll during a rest break, scientists have found.

While taking breaks helps prevent tiredness – an important consideration particularly for the driver – discomfort is important too.

Sitting in a confined space for long periods of time almost inevitably leads to discomfort on car journeys.

Sitting in a confined space for long periods of time almost inevitably leads to discomfort on car journeys

Sitting in a confined space for long periods of time almost inevitably leads to discomfort on car journeys

And as many veterans of long car journeys will know, a car full of people feeling physical discomfort will not make for a happy journey.

So while it may be tempting to just sit down at a motorway service station and have a tea or coffee break, to really avoid aches and pains from car journeys, scientists found a short walk provided the best solution.

On a practical level, they even suggest parking as far away from the motorway service area restaurant as possible, to maximise your walk.

Taking a walk relieves pressure on compressed body parts and increases blood flow to parts of the body that may be causing discomfort, the researchers say.

While the benefits of breaks for tiredness and safety are well-documented, the researchers say they are also vital in terms of driver comfort

While the benefits of breaks for tiredness and safety are well-documented, the researchers say they are also vital in terms of driver comfort

The effectiveness of different types of comfort breaks by researchers from Nottingham Trent University, Imperial College and Loughborough University using a driving simulator and a treadmill.

Participants took part in a driving simulation– which included the vibration of a car on a typical urban journey – for two hours with a ten-minute break midway through.

Each participant tried each of the comfort break methods.

They provided ratings of their discomfort at regular intervals along the way.

One group just remained seated, while the others went for a ten minute stroll on a treadmill.

It was found that a stroll of ten minutes after a one hour drive prevented feeling discomfort for a further hour.

This compared to just ten minutes for those who stopped the vehicle and remained seated.

The researchers, writing in Applied Ergonomics, said that many factors contribute to discomfort during long car journeys including vibration, uncomfortable upholstery or cushions, and poor seat design.

While the benefits of breaks for tiredness and safety are well-documented, the researchers say they are also vital in terms of driver comfort.

Professor Neil Mansfield, Head of Engineering at Nottingham Trent University said: ‘Drivers should plan breaks at regular intervals in order to reduce discomfort during and at the end of their journey.’

He added: ‘When drivers stop at service stations they undertake a range of different activities. Some stay in their seats and take the opportunity to use their phones or devices, while others may choose to walk to a nearby café and sit with a coffee for a few minutes.

‘We have shown that getting out of the vehicle and taking a walk is the most effective method for relieving driver discomfort. Maybe drivers should rethink where they choose to park at service stations, as a longer walk across the car park is beneficial.’

Taking a walk is also advised for people on long flights – researchers have found this also relieves discomfort more than just sitting in your seat and eating and drinking.

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