We started the ASICS MOVEMENT FOR MIND research project to test a hypothesis; that getting outside with others, moving our bodies and paying attention to our breathing could improve mental wellbeing. And early indications suggest the hypothesis is true.
Run by Dr Brendon Stubbs, whose research focuses on physical activity and mental health and the mind-body interface, we conducted a feasibility study to test the ASICS MOVEMENT FOR MIND for eight weeks in early 2020. The main role of the feasibility study was to test whether the programme was actually viable. Would people sign up? Would they take part? Would they stick with it? Would people complete the assessments?
So in January, 60 ASICS employees volunteered to take part in the feasibility study and were randomly assigned to either the control group or to participate in ASICS MOVEMENT FOR MIND. Those taking part were assigned a group and were required to join their group twice a week for 30 minutes for a simple outdoor, movement and breathing session, guided by a coach.
Last week, Dr Brendon Stubbs shared the results of the ASICS MOVEMENT FOR MIND feasibility study and we were very encouraged by the results. Although the feasibility study is only a precursor to the main trial (to take place when COVID-19 allows) it is a good indication for future results.
Dr Stubbs confirmed that the ASICS MOVEMENT FOR MIND programme is indeed feasible. We achieved our aims of recruiting people, randomising them to an active group or control group, delivering the programme and achieving high levels of engagement in the assessment process.
Dr Stubbs also confirmed that the preliminary quantitative analysis suggests that, versus the control group, the ASICS MOVEMENT FOR MIND programme:
- Improves mental wellbeing
- Reduces depressive symptoms
- Increases weekly walking
- Reduces daily sitting time.
Commenting on the results Dr Brendon Stubbs said: “Although we haven’t yet conducted the full trial, the preliminary results give us a good indication. The data shows that those people who took part in the ASICS MOVEMENT FOR MIND feasibility study improved their mental wellbeing and level of physical activity compared to those in the control group. ASICS MOVEMENT FOR MIND is a simple programme that anyone can take part in, so these results are very encouraging for the future.”
We are now in a strong position to confidently assess whether ASICS MOVEMENT FOR MIND improves mental wellbeing and increases physical activity in a large trial. Undertaking such a definitive trial with large numbers of people is the only way to truly prove this. And we very much hope to be able to do so later this year (while following the advice of local Governments with regards to social distancing).
While the trial will need to start later than we had hoped, we remain very hopeful and extremely committed to the programme and wait knowing that we have a sound platform to spring into action as soon as we can.
More to follow.
