Press Release: New research confirms The Daily Mile improves children’s fitness levels
NEW RESEARCH CONFIRMS THE DAILY MILE IMPROVES CHILDREN’S FITNESS LEVELS
- Research conducted by Swansea University found that The Daily Mile improved the fitness levels of deprived children as much as non-deprived children and can therefore address inequalities in health.
- The study involved six primary schools in South Wales and concluded that The Daily Mile had a positive impact on children’s attitude towards physical activity and their feelings of happiness.
- The Daily Mile, supported by INEOS, is one of the world’s largest health and fitness initiatives with over 10,900 schools across 78 countries now taking part.
Research led by Swansea University has revealed that The Daily Mile has a positive impact on children’s attitude towards physical activity and their feelings of happiness. Findings recently released, concluded that The Daily Mile improved the fitness levels of deprived children as much as non-deprived children and can therefore address inequalities in health. The study also found that the international fitness scheme improved pupils’ approach to group work and their social interaction with their peers and teachers.
The Daily Mile, supported by INEOS, was founded by Elaine Wyllie MBE when she was Headteacher of St Ninian’s Primary School in Stirling, in February 2012. Concerned about the lack of physical fitness displayed by the children, Elaine founded the fitness initiative with the simple aim of getting her pupils moving every day to improve their overall health and wellbeing. The Daily Mile has now been adopted by over 10,900 schools and nurseries in 78 countries, leading to over 2.3 million children running with The Daily Mile.
Six primary schools in South Wales took part in the study by researchers at Swansea University – in association with the HAPPEN Network – who spoke to schoolchildren, teachers and headteachers about their experience of The Daily Mile. The findings identified that The Daily Mile’s simple and flexible nature, delivered during curriculum time, incorporating personal goal setting, teacher participation, and whole-school delivery with community support, were all factors associated with pupils having a positive experience of the initiative.
Earlier this year, research led by the University of Birmingham found that The Daily Mile has a positive impact on body mass index, especially in girls, and is a cost-effective solution, particularly for girls. In addition, The Daily Mile has been previously referenced in research conducted by the Universities of Stirling, Edinburgh and Highlands & Islands in Scotland, the Mulier Instituut in the Netherlands, and the University of Torino in Italy.
The Daily Mile Foundation and INEOS are also in partnership with Imperial College London who are currently undertaking a 3 to 5 year study exploring the impact The Daily Mile has on children’s physical health and educational attainment.
Founder of The Daily Mile, Elaine Wyllie MBE, said: “I am delighted that this new study from Swansea University shows the positive impact The Daily Mile has on children. We are very pleased that the research recognised that The Daily Mile is important for improving both the physical and mental health of children. The simplicity of The Daily Mile makes it easy for teachers to tackle childhood obesity head-on and get their pupils fit for life.”
Lead researcher at Swansea University, Emily Marchant, said: “As part of our research we also wanted to see if the impact of The Daily Mile on children’s fitness differed between children living in poorer and wealthier areas. We found that deprivation didn’t matter – our findings seem to indicate that The Daily Mile can improve the fitness of all children. In addition, our research highlights the importance of schools involving pupils in their implementation.”
ENDS.
Media contacts
MediaZoo for The Daily Mile Foundation: Chris Hall – chris.hall@mediazoo.tv – 07739 571 634