Prolonged uninterrupted sitting in healthy desk workers reduces cerebral blood flow. However, this reduction in cerebral blood flow is offset when frequent short-duration walking breaks are incorporated into this sitting period. For those who engage in long periods of sedentary behavior, chronically breaking up these sitting periods with frequent active break strategies may have important implications for cerebrovascular health; however, further research should explore this hypothesis.
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Walking is an easy-to-implement strategy to increase appropriate novel idea generation. When there is a premium on generating new ideas in the workday, it should be beneficial to incorporate walks. In addition to providing performance benefits, it would address concerns regarding the physiological effects of inactivity (Hamilton, Healy, Dunstan, Zderic, & Owen, 2008;. Hamilton, Hamilton, & Zderic, 2007).
Source: https://www.fincalabs.com/en/give-your-ideas-some-legs-the-positive-effect-of-walki
Results of this intervention study showed that park walks at lunchtime were related to better concentration and less fatigue in the afternoon through enjoyment. Relaxation exercises were related to better concentration in the afternoon via detachment and linked to lower levels of strain and fatigue in the afternoon.
Source:https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2017-14084-001?doi=1
(2018)
During 2016/17 Active Cumbria led on a pilot roll out of Healthy Movers (formerly Smart Start) in Cumbria. The intention was to implement the programme with families of children in chosen settings, using physical literacy as a means of increasing physical activity, and improving young children's readiness to learn. The pilot was externally evaluated by the University of Northumbria and shown to increase young children's participation in daily physical activity, leading to improved concentration
Chances are good that you, or someone you know, is dealing with anxiety. One sobering study shows that people with anxiety tend to be more sedentary and do less intense forms of physical activity, if any. That’s ironic, because lacing up your sneakers and getting out and moving may be the single best nonmedical solution we have for preventing and treating anxiety.
Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-exercise-help-treat-anxiety-2019102418096
(October 2019)
Physical activity is a key determinant of energy expenditure, as it has a fundamental positive influence on energy balance and weight control. Regular physical activity in children and adolescents is important for obesity prevention and supporting obese adolescents to manage their weight.
Source: http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/339211/WHO_ObesityReport_2017_v3.pdf?ua=1
(2017)
Beat the Street is an inclusive, fun and motivating initiative that connects people with their local environment and encourages individuals to walk, cycle or scoot with family or friends to collect points. Beat the Street Gloucester aims to increase physical activity amongst children and adults.
(January 2020)
The Active Hospital feasibility and acceptability pilot explores integrating physical activity interventions in a secondary care setting. Specific physical activity behaviour change interventions were designed, implemented and mapped alongside existing care using the Behaviour Change Wheel (Mitchie and others, 2011). One of the most successful interventions, the maternity pathway, has enhanced care through all pregnant women undergoing assessment and receiving brief physical activity advice.
On International Women’s Day in March, we published our evaluation of the Sporting Equality Fund, a £325,000 set of grants from the Scottish government to get more girls and women participating in physical activity. Fourteen organisations were awarded up to £25,000 for year-long projects – all were asked to look at how participation increased wellbeing. Across the fund as a whole, we saw average life satisfaction go up from 6.9 to 8.0 out of 10, with similar rises across the other three ONS wel
