Research library

Welcome to the insight hub for we can move,

This is our storage space for research, reports, opinion and news for physical activity and the wider system which we've come across.

You can search articles by theme/tag by clicking here

impact of physical activity (31)

Evidence on the reach and impact of parkrun: a review

A team of academics reviewed existing research highlighting that parkrun participants show improvements in, among other things, fitness, total physical activity, and mood. Source: Parkrun. Nov 2020

Return to play – a guide from MIND

This guide aims to equip the sport and physical activity sector with the tools and information required to support the mental health of staff, coaches, volunteers and participants as we ‘return to play’. This guide is aimed at organisations, clubs and groups that wish to provide the very best experience for their workforce and participants as lockdown restrictions are eased and sport and physical activity returns. It includes guidance, good practice, tools and insight to help the sector to

Why investing in physical activity is great for our health – and our nation

The report shows that investing in community sport and physical activity plays an important role in boosting the economy and provides the opportunity to help level up inequalities within communities, and build a healthier, happier and more prosperous society generating £3.91 in value for every £1 spent. Source: Sport England, September 2020

The clear link between being active and mental wellbeing

Active Lives research reveals that active people are happier and more satisfied with their lives – and are less likely to experience anxiety. Adults being active are 57% more likely to experience higher levels of perceived self-efficacy Source: Sport England, 2017

Experiences With Wearable Activity Data During Self-Care by Chronic Heart Patients: Qualitative Study

Activity data from wearable devices may be a resource for self-care; however, the data may simultaneously constrain and create uncertainty, fear, and anxiety. Source JMIR, July 2020

Gearing up for activity – practical teaching of the physical activity guidelines for children

A Loughborough University academic has produced a practical video for teachers and trainee teachers focused on helping children and young people to understand the ‘one hour a day’ physical activity for health recommendation for their age. Source: NCSEM, July 2020

The Benefits of Exercise for the Clinically Depressed

The mechanisms underlying the antidepressant effects of exercise remain in debate; however, the efficacy of exercise in decreasing symptoms of depression has been well established. Data regarding the positive mood effects of exercise involvement, independent of fitness gains, suggest that the focus should be on frequency of exercise rather than duration or intensity until the behavior has been well established. Source: NCBI, 2014

Mental Health Champion Toolkit from MIND

This toolkit is for organisations, clubs and groups in the sport and physical activity sector that want to support the mental health of their members, participants, staff and volunteers. It introduces the idea of mental health champions, and provides guidance on establishing a mental health champions scheme.

Gear Change: A bold vision for cycling and walking

The recent COVID-19 restrictions have profoundly impacted the way people live, work and travel as evidenced by the public’s desire to be more active, and the rise in popularity of cycling and walking (Sport England, 2020). Now, we can embed those changes in people’s travel behaviour, increase active travel, and transform permanently how many people move around, particularly in towns and cities. Source: gov.uk, July 2020

Coasts have a therapeutic effect on people, boosting wellbeing and mental health says Defra

Coasts have a therapeutic effect on people, boosting wellbeing and mental health, the evidence statement drawing on 46 peer-reviewed papers and published by the Environment Department (Defra) said Source: The Ecologist, July 2020

Physical Activity prevents 4 million premature deaths globally a year

To better understand how it impacts mortality, scientists from the University of Cambridge looked at data from 168 countries. Results suggest at least 3.9 million premature fatalities are warded off every year in people between 40 and 74 years old as a result of exercise. Source: Lancet, July 2020

Scottish researchers launch world’s largest study into impact of exercise on Covid-19 immunity

Leading researchers at Glasgow Caledonian University have launched the groundbreaking study to aid government decision-making during the pandemic. Source: The Sunday Post, May 2020

Attending After-School Physical Activity Club 2 Days a Week Attenuated an Increase in Percentage Body Fat and a Decrease in Fitness Among Adolescent Girls at Risk for Obesity.

The intervention attenuated an increase in %BF and a decrease in CRF among girls at risk for obesity from baseline to postintervention. Offering the after-school PA club 2 d/wk may be adequate for achieving outcomes. Source: Sage Publications April 2020

Associations of types of green space across the life-course with blood pressure and body mass index.

Longitudinal study suggests that the perinatal period may be a critical time-period where living closer to green spaces may lower hypertension risk in adulthood, but not obesity. Analysis by type of green space suggested that parks may be more relevant than playgrounds, cemeteries or golf courses. Source: Science Direct March 2020

Sedentary behavior patterns and adiposity in children: a study based on compositional data analysis

Reallocating time from moderate sedentary bouts to short sedentary bouts saw benefits to prevention and control of childhood obesity. Even just 1 hour / week from middle sedentary bouts to moderate to vigorous physical activity. Source: BMC April 2020

Active Lives - Nov 2018 to Nov 2019 results

Latest Active Lives Adult Survey shows greater numbers of women, older people and those with a disability or long-term health condition were getting active. Gloucestershire shows continued improvement with inactivity down to 20.8% Source: Sport England April 2020

'We can move' Impact Report 2019

Impact Report 2019 - Physical inactivity now kills as many people as smoking and was found to cost the NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups £4.7 million in Gloucestershire. Many major health issues in the UK can be avoided through increased physical activity. Source: Active Gloucestershire Dec 2019

What happens to your body when you swap your car for a bike?

Today’s average commute is 56 minutes a day — an awfully long time to be sitting still listening to that radio host you can’t really stand. Cycling can help alleviate the three key side effects of commuting: Stress, lack of exercise and Expenses Source: https://www.merlincycles.com/blog/infographic-swap-car-for-bike/ (February 2019)

Just 6 Months of Walking May Boost Aging Brains

The study focused on older adults who had milder problems with memory and thinking skills. The researchers found that six months of moderate exercise -- walking or pedaling a stationary bike -- turned some of those issues around. Source: https://consumer.healthday.com/fitness-information-14/walking-health-news-288/just-6-months-of-walking-may-boost-aging-brains-740826.html (December 2018)

Effects of a 30-week combined training program in normoxia and in hypoxia on exercise performance and health-related parameters in obese adolescents: a pilot study.

1h a week of combined training for 30 weeks improved morphological and health-related markers as well as exercise performance in obese adolescents in both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/32037783 (February 2020)

of 2

#xg { position:relative;top:120px; } #xn_bar { top:120px; }

Hello, you need to enable JavaScript to use 'We can move' insight.

Please check your browser settings or contact your system administrator.

Note: this page contains paid content.