High impact running may impair Budhia's growth: expert

New Delhi, May 5 (UNI) The walking wonder, Budhia, may have created a record in long distance running but his long term health may be affected by this, according to expert.

Dr Nita Bhandari of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, who helped in preparation of the WHO's New Child Growth Standards, told reporters here that the high impact running for over 65 km in hot conditions may impede growth of four-year-old Budhia.

''The impact of long distance running may be the same as that of youngsters joining gymnasium at a very young age. Experts advise youngsters and their parents against it as the high impact exercises have been found to retard the growth of children. Budhia could have similar repercussions,'' Dr Bhandari said.

Budhia had made a record by covering 65 km from the holy city of Puri to the temple city of Bhubaneswar in Orissa in seven hours two minutes in scorching heat on May 2.

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