Research by Theme

Date
2014

Title
Systematic Review of the Health Benefits of Active Travel

Abstract
Whilst the health benefits of walking and cycling have long been assumed, empirical evidence is lacking in this area. This study aimed to assess the studies that have been carried out.

Date
February 2020

Title
Annual Disability and Activity Survey

Abstract
This annual piece of research from Activity Alliance presents key information in relation to activity levels amongst disabled people and the barriers they face to being as active as they want to be.

Date
March 2019

Title
Disability and barriers to physical activity

Abstract
Results of a survey investigating barriers to people with disabilities taking part in physical activity and looking at possible solutions.

Date
September 2020

Title
Social and economic value of community sport and physical activity in England

Abstract
A wide-ranging study by the Sport Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University shows how investment in exercise creates a return across health and social care – and also helps build stronger communities and develop skills. This report, commissioned by Sport England, demonstrates that every £1 spent on community sport and physical activity generates £3.91 in return for the economy.

Date
September 2019

Title
The economics of exercise

Abstract
Measuring the business benefit of being physically fit. 

Date
October 2017

Title
Income and physical activity/sedentary behaviour patterns

Abstract
A study on the impact of income on levels and frequency of activity.

Date
October 2017

Title
The cost of inactivity on the NHS 

Abstract
This report quantifies the financial cost of physical inactivity on the NHS in Wales.

Date
2015

Title
Health on the high street

Abstract
This report looks at ways government/local authorities can improve the 'health of the high street' by encouraging businesses that promote health and restricting those that don't.

Date
April 2020

Title
COVID-19 related school closure and risk of weight gain among children

Abstract
An article combining previously published research to examine what effects schools being closed might have on the health of young people and the factors involved.

Date
February 2020

Title
High-tempo music could make exercise easier and more beneficial

Abstract
A study has suggested that listening to high-tempo music could increase the benefits of exercise and reduce the perceived effort involved.

Date
December 2019

Title
Negotiating the Daily Mile Challenge; wider health considerations

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to privilege the views of both pupils and staff in one school’s adoption of the Daily Mile Challenge (DMC).  Pupils’ voices often go unheard in school based compulsory exercise interventions. 

Date
June 2017

Title
Physical activity and academic achievement

Abstract
Research investigating if there is a correlation between physical activity levels of 6-8 year olds and their reading/arithmetic skills.

Date
March 2017

Title
Timing of the decline in physical activity in childhood/adolescence

Abstract
A study looking at the total volume of physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity at different ages (7, 9, 12 and 15 years old).

Date
January 2020

Title
Ethnicity and physical activity

Abstract
A report detailing engagement levels in sport and physical activity split by ethnicity. This then goes on to discuss the wider related factors. 

Date
November 2020

Title
Associations between cardiorespiratory fitness and grip strength with common mental disorders

Abstract
Depression and anxiety are common mental disorders that increase physical health risks and are leading causes of global disability. Several forms of physical fitness could be modifiable risk factors for common mental disorders in the population. This study examined associations between individual and combined markers of cardiorespiratory fitness and grip strength with the incidence of common mental disorders.

Date
April 2020

Title
Coronavirus and physical activity

Abstract
Survey into adult physical activity attitudes and behaviour during the coronavirus pandemic.

Date
April 2020

Title
The fitness industry’s response to COVID-19

Abstract
A report examining what steps have been taken by health/fitness sector in response to COVID-19 in relation to members, employees and the wider community.

Date
March 2020

Title
Genetic mutation could reduce a patient's ability to exercise

Abstract
A team including staff from Universities in England and Italy carrying out genetic and protein analyses of patients have identified a genetic mutation that may impact on an individual's capacity for exercise.

Date
February 2020

Title
Obesity and Ageing are two sides of the same coin

Abstract
A study carried out by researchers from Concordia University in Canada has concluded that obesity should be classed as 'premature ageing' due to the ways that obesity ages the body from several different perspectives – from the immune system to shifts in tissue and body composition.

Date
January 2020

Title
Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Gray Matter Volume

Abstract
This study provides an analysis into the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and global and local brain volumes (in the Temporal, Frontal, and Cerebellar Regions in the General Population).

Date
January 2020

Title
Training frequency on health and physical function of older adults

Abstract
The minimum frequency at which exercise needs to take place to improve health in older adults is a matter of debate. This study looked at the effect of sprint interval training on health and physical function in older adults.

Date
December 2019

Title
Exercise can increase brain function for people at risk of Dementia

Abstract
A study in Wisconsin demonstrates that taking part in regular physical activity could decrease the chances of developing Alzheimer’s Disease in adults who are at risk of developing the condition.

Date
December 2019

Title
Exercise referral schemes and their effect on health & wellbeing

Abstract
Researchers looked into the effect of exercise referral schemes upon health and well-being: initial observational insights using individual patient data meta-analysis from the National Referral Database.

Date
December 2019

Title
Negotiating the Daily Mile Challenge; wider health considerations

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to privilege the views of both pupils and staff in one school’s adoption of the Daily Mile Challenge (DMC).  Pupils’ voices often go unheard in school based compulsory exercise interventions. 

Date
December 2019

Title
Physical activity and prostate cancer

Abstract
A large-scale study explored whether levels of physical activity have an affect on the risk of prostate cancer.

Date
November 2019

Title
Exercise frequency and cardiovascular outcomes in older adults

Abstract
Little is known about the association of changes in moderate to vigorous physical activity level with cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially in older adults whose ability to engage in frequent activity naturally reduces as they age. This study examined the association of changes in activity and CVD in older adults.

Date
November 2019

Title
Running and all-cause cancer/cardiovascular mortality

Abstract
Through systematic review and meta-analysis, researchers investigated the association of the participation and dose of running with the risk of all-cause cancer and cardiovascular mortality.

Date
September 2019

Title
Physical fitness and white matter microstructure

Abstract
Research on whether physical activity can improve brain health.

Date
September 2019

Title
The economics of exercise

Abstract
Measuring the business benefit of being physically fit. 

Date
June 2019

Title
An analysis of leisure centre attendance

Abstract
A report examining the demographic composition of leisure centre attendees together with which days, times and activities are most popular. This is analysed in relation to national data and previous annual findings.

Date
June 2019

Title
Exercise versus antihypertensive medication

Abstract
A network meta-analysis of 391 randomised controlled trials assessing exercise and medication effects on systolic blood pressure.

Date
March 2019

Title
Disability and barriers to physical activity

Abstract
Results of a survey investigating barriers to people with disabilities taking part in physical activity and looking at possible solutions.

Date
January 2019

Title
Exercise programmes and diet

Abstract
A study investigating the impacts of a 15 week exercise training programme on participants dietary choices.  

Date
November 2018

Title
Exercise referral schemes and longer term motivation

Abstract
This research looks at what proportion of people become self motivated and begin to enjoy exercise after an exercise referral programme has ended.

Date
September 2018

Title
Exercise and memory

Abstract
Research in to the impact of physical activity on brain health.

Date
April 2018

Title
Exercise and the immune system 

Abstract
Redefining the impact of exercise on immunological health across the lifespan.

Date
December 2017

Title
Exercise referral schemes and dropout rates/reasons

Abstract
A retrospective study into an exercise referral scheme looking at whether drop out rates were higher amongst certain groups. The findings then go on to discuss potential barriers identified by the participants themselves.

Date
November 2017

Title
Active Ageing Report

Abstract
A report looking at the potential cost savings to the NHS of older people being physically active as well as the current provision for activity in care homes.

Date
November 2017

Title
Mental health and physical activity engagement/beliefs

Abstract
A study on mental health service users' opinions and experience around physical activity.

Date
November 2017

Title
Perceived physical activity and mortality

Abstract
A study into whether perceived activity levels, specifically in comparison to peers, has a link to mortality.

Date
October 2017

Title
Exercise and the prevention of depression

Abstract
A piece of research, based on data from Norway, looking at whether levels of physical activity can reduce rates of depression and/or anxiety.

Date
September 2017

Title
Is it possible to be overweight but medically healthy?

Abstract
This research examines the notion that a person can be overweight and medically healthy ('fat but fit').

Date
September 2017

Title
Physical activity and mortality/CVD in relation to income

Abstract
This piece of research aimed to test whether the impact of physical activity on cardiovascular health was consistent across all levels of income.

Date
August 2017

Title
Physical inactivity and bladder/renal cancer risk

Abstract
Research investigating a possible link between activity and certain cancers.

Date
July 2017

Title
Aerobic exercise and brain metabolism/grey matter volume

Abstract
Research in to the impact of physical activity on brain health.

Date
January 2017

Title
Physical activity and happiness

Abstract
A study based on a mood tracking app aimed at investigating if physical activity has an effect on happiness.

Date
January 2017

Title
Physical activity and mental health

Abstract
This report looks at the successes of the 'Get Set to Go' programme that engaged people with mental health problems into activity. It investigates the potential benefits of physical activity on mental health but also provides qualitative data on what the participants felt worked well.

Date
October 2016

Title
Physical activity and Parkinson's Disease

Abstract
Research demonstrating the possible benefits of physical activity for those with Parkinson's Disease.

Date
October 2016

Title
Physical activity and type 2 diabetes

Abstract
A systematic review on existing studies investigating a possible link between physical activity and type 2 diabetes.

Date
August 2016

Title
Aerobic exercise and schizophrenia

Abstract
Research demonstrating the possible benefits of physical activity for those with Schizophrenia.

Date
August 2016

Title
Can physical activity offset the implications of alcohol drinking?

Abstract
This study investigates the effects of both alcohol drinking and physical activity on mortality rates.

Date
August 2016

Title
Online social networks and physical activity

Abstract
This piece of research looks at whether comparison/collaboration with others increases participation in exercise classes.

Date
August 2016

Title
Physical activity and cardiac remodeling

Abstract
Research in to the impact of physical activity on the heart and the implications this might have when diagnosing heart issues.

Date
April 2016

Title
Social return on investment in sport in England (2013/2014)

Abstract
This report quantifies the benefits of investment in sport financially to determine if the returns outweigh the initial investment.

Date
2015

Title
Health on the high street

Abstract
This report looks at ways government/local authorities can improve the 'health of the high street' by encouraging businesses that promote health and restricting those that don't.

Date
February 2020

Title
An elite football academy's observations on player retention

Abstract
Understanding the factors that influence player retention within youth football can be used to enhance current practices. This study investigated an English Category 1 academy to determine if birth quartile, somatic maturity, anthropometric and physical performance characteristics are associated with player retention between Under 11 to Under 21 age groups. .

Date
June 2019

Title
Examining the construction of identity among high performance athletes

Abstract
This study, adopting a feminist perspective explored two research questions: 1) how do male and female athletes perform an athletic identity through photographic self-representation, and 2) what are the messages they look to convey, as role models, through these images? Eighteen culturally diverse high-performance athletes (12 female, six male; mean age = 20.56 years, SD = 2.83) representing a range of sports took part. Following an individual photo session with autonomy over image capture, participants selected their favoured image and provided a caption symbolising the message they wished to convey to others. Participants were then interviewed to obtain their thoughts, feelings, and stories with regards image capture and selection. Analysis of photographic data revealed a tendency for participants to select full body action shots, located in the field of play, and wearing sports clothing. Captions emphasised hard work, psychological assets, technical precision, and encouraged sports participation. Interview data were organised under two broad themes aligned with the research questions; ‘performing an athletic identity’ and ‘intended messages’. Participants typically wanted to appear in action shots, emphasising good technique, displaying a sporting physique, and in relevant uniforms. Intended messages reflected how to be a good role model and comprised of ideals of hard work and giving sport a go. Findings suggest that whilst athletes sought to champion their sport and the physical and psychological qualities that participation produces, gendered performances were also evident in production and interpretation of many images, thus highlighting the pervasive nature of gendered sporting participation.

Date
September 2020

Title
Social and economic value of community sport and physical activity in England

Abstract
A wide-ranging study by the Sport Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University shows how investment in exercise creates a return across health and social care – and also helps build stronger communities and develop skills. This report, commissioned by Sport England, demonstrates that every £1 spent on community sport and physical activity generates £3.91 in return for the economy.

Date
April 2020

Title
Coronavirus and physical activity

Abstract
Survey into adult physical activity attitudes and behaviour during the coronavirus pandemic.

Date
April 2020

Title
The fitness industry’s response to COVID-19

Abstract
A report examining what steps have been taken by health/fitness sector in response to COVID-19 in relation to members, employees and the wider community.

Date
March 2020

Title
Genetic mutation could reduce a patient's ability to exercise

Abstract
A team including staff from Universities in England and Italy carrying out genetic and protein analyses of patients have identified a genetic mutation that may impact on an individual's capacity for exercise.

Date
February 2020

Title
High-tempo music could make exercise easier and more beneficial

Abstract
A study has suggested that listening to high-tempo music could increase the benefits of exercise and reduce the perceived effort involved.

Date
January 2020

Title
Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Gray Matter Volume

Abstract
This study provides an analysis into the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and global and local brain volumes (in the Temporal, Frontal, and Cerebellar Regions in the General Population).

Date
November 2019

Title
Exercise frequency and cardiovascular outcomes in older adults

Abstract
Little is known about the association of changes in moderate to vigorous physical activity level with cardiovascular disease (CVD), especially in older adults whose ability to engage in frequent activity naturally reduces as they age. This study examined the association of changes in activity and CVD in older adults.

Date
July 2019

Title
Incentives and physical activity (SweatCoin)

Abstract
SweatCoin is a digital platform that allows users to track their activity and earn virtual currency. This piece of research investigates the number of steps recorded by this platform each month following registration.  

Date
June 2019

Title
An analysis of leisure centre attendance

Abstract
A report examining the demographic composition of leisure centre attendees together with which days, times and activities are most popular. This is analysed in relation to national data and previous annual findings.

Date
June 2019

Title
Being a 'busy mother' and perspectives on physical activity

Abstract
A survey completed by Sport England linked to the This Girl Can campaign looking at perspectives of mothers and the impact this has on their participation in physical activity.

Date
June 2019

Title
Examining the construction of identity among high performance athletes

Abstract
This study, adopting a feminist perspective explored two research questions: 1) how do male and female athletes perform an athletic identity through photographic self-representation, and 2) what are the messages they look to convey, as role models, through these images? Eighteen culturally diverse high-performance athletes (12 female, six male; mean age = 20.56 years, SD = 2.83) representing a range of sports took part. Following an individual photo session with autonomy over image capture, participants selected their favoured image and provided a caption symbolising the message they wished to convey to others. Participants were then interviewed to obtain their thoughts, feelings, and stories with regards image capture and selection. Analysis of photographic data revealed a tendency for participants to select full body action shots, located in the field of play, and wearing sports clothing. Captions emphasised hard work, psychological assets, technical precision, and encouraged sports participation. Interview data were organised under two broad themes aligned with the research questions; ‘performing an athletic identity’ and ‘intended messages’. Participants typically wanted to appear in action shots, emphasising good technique, displaying a sporting physique, and in relevant uniforms. Intended messages reflected how to be a good role model and comprised of ideals of hard work and giving sport a go. Findings suggest that whilst athletes sought to champion their sport and the physical and psychological qualities that participation produces, gendered performances were also evident in production and interpretation of many images, thus highlighting the pervasive nature of gendered sporting participation.

Date
May 2019

Title
Health knowledge, employee well-being programmes and incentives

Abstract
A study in to a variety of factors that may encourage participation in health or fitness routines as well as perception of health and ageing. This research also touches on the benefits of employee well-being programmes.

Date
April 2019

Title
How easy is it to book a sport or fitness class online?

Abstract
A survey investigating how easy participants found it to book a variety of activities online and comparing this to the ease of booking a sport or fitness class.

Date
January 2019

Title
Exercise programmes and diet

Abstract
A study investigating the impacts of a 15 week exercise training programme on participants dietary choices.

Date
November 2018

Title
Exercise referral schemes and longer term motivation

Abstract
This research looks at what proportion of people become self motivated and begin to enjoy exercise after an exercise referral programme has ended.

Date
January 2018

Title
Group exercise attendance by demographic data, location and activity;

Abstract
A report examining the demographic composition of group exercise attendees together with which types of location and activities are most popular. Additional insight is provided into the motivators and barriers to participation.

Date
January 2018

Title
Incentives and physical activity (Vitality) 

Abstract
This piece of research looks at what motivates people to be more physically activity, with specific focus on two programmes offered by Vitality.

Date
December 2017

Title
Active Lives adult survey: activity levels/mental wellbeing measures

Abstract
A deeper analysis of the Active Lives survey that looks at the wider qualitative data.

Date
December 2017

Title
Exercise referral schemes and dropout rates/reasons

Abstract
A retrospective study into an exercise referral scheme looking at whether drop out rates were higher amongst certain groups. The findings then go on to discuss potential barriers identified by the participants themselves.

Date
November 2017

Title
Participation in group fitness classes and stress/quality of life

Abstract
A study comparing the benefits of exercising alone against exercising as part of a group fitness class.

Date
October 2017

Title
Income and physical activity/sedentary behaviour patterns

Abstract
A study on the impact of income on levels and frequency of activity.

Date
October 2017

Title
The cost of inactivity on the NHS 

Abstract
This report quantifies the financial cost of physical inactivity on the NHS in Wales.

Date
July 2017

Title
Activity inequality and obesity

Abstract
This research aims to identify if there is a correlation between activity inequality in a country and it's obesity levels.

Date
July 2017

Title
Spectating and physical activity

Abstract
An observational study of spectators’ step counts and reasons for attending a professional golf tournament in Scotland.

Date
March 2017

Title
Activity frequency and related health benefits

Abstract
Research examining the health benefits of exercising once or twice a week to compare its effectiveness to more regular exercise

Date
March 2017

Title
Timing of the decline in physical activity in childhood/adolescence

Abstract
A study looking at the total volume of physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity at different ages (7, 9, 12 and 15 years old).

Date
January 2017

Title
Physical activity and mental health

Abstract
This report looks at the successes of the 'Get Set to Go' programme that engaged people with mental health problems into activity. It investigates the potential benefits of physical activity on mental health but also provides qualitative data on what the participants felt worked well.

Date
December 2016

Title
Effects of using activity trackers and coaching on activity levels

Abstract
This research questions whether wearable fitness technology could be a useful tool to engage individuals that are not members of a gym or similar.

Date
August 2016

Title
Online social networks and physical activity

Abstract
This piece of research looks at whether comparison/collaboration with others increases participation in exercise classes.

Date
April 2020

Title
The fitness industry’s response to COVID-19

Abstract
A report examining what steps have been taken by health/fitness sector in response to COVID-19 in relation to members, employees and the wider community.

Date
February 2020

Title
Leisure sector job demand and availability for young people

Abstract
Five times as many young people want to work in Leisure sectors such as sport, arts, culture and entertainment as there are jobs available.

Date
June 2019

Title
An analysis of leisure centre attendance

Abstract
A report examining the demographic composition of leisure centre attendees together with which days, times and activities are most popular. This is analysed in relation to national data and previous annual findings.

Date
May 2019

Title
Staff mental wellbeing in the sport, leisure, and fitness industry

Abstract
A cross-sectional study on mental wellbeing in the sport, leisure, and fitness industry.

Date
May 2018

Title
Perspectives of employers in the physical activity sector

Abstract
A survey of employers within the physical activity sector that looks at potential skills gaps and recruitment challenges.