Running on a high: parkrun and personal well-being

Body Mass Index as a Determinant of Lower Limb Function and Community Well-Being in Older Adults: Analysis of 2020 National Older Korean Survey Data

This epidemiological research investigated the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and lower limb function and community well-being among the older population (≥65 years old) in South Korea. Using the 2020 National Survey of Older Koreans (N = 10 097; Mage = 73.6 ± 6.63; MBMI = 23.6 ± 2.61), the study identified underweight (2.3%), normal (72.8%), and obese (24.9%) groups. Findings revealed significant associations between BMI and lower limb function, with underweight individuals facing greater physical challenges (P < .05-.01). Underweight participants were also found to live farther from key community locations, possibly reflecting social and environmental factors (P < .01) and expressed higher dissatisfaction with community environments (Ps < .05-.01). The study emphasizes the need for tailored community planning and health care strategies, focusing on the unique needs of the underweight older adults, considering South Korea's rapidly increasing older population.

Engaging underrepresented groups in community physical activity initiatives: a qualitative study of parkrun in the UK

BACKGROUND

Underrepresented groups, including racial/ethnic minority groups and individuals with low socioeconomic status face complex barriers to engaging in community-based health initiatives. This research uses parkrun, an outdoor, mass-participation, weekly physical activity and volunteering initiative, to explore the engagement strategies ('outreach activities') that have been used to promote the inclusivity and diversity of parkrun events.

METHODS

Ten adult parkrun Ambassadors who fulfilled volunteer roles that involved promoting parkrun to underrepresented groups in the UK were interviewed. Interviews took place via telephone or video call in April-July 2021. Interview transcripts were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Engagement strategies implemented by Ambassadors varied from opportunistic promotion within communities to strategic negotiations at higher decision-making levels. Approaches were characterised by a community-centred focus that ensured community networks and assets were utilised. Stories were considered valuable indicators of successful outreach. A common challenge to outreach for Ambassadors was limited personal and organisational capacity that impeded the widescale scope, reach and scalability of parkrun's engagement attempts.

CONCLUSIONS

Parkrun Ambassadors have used a wide range of outreach activities at different levels of influence. A number of challenges to doing sustainable and effective outreach have been highlighted that need to be addressed. Working with and alongside communities where community-based health initiatives events take place to understand how to address inclusivity issues could contribute to greater participation by underrepresented groups.

Effects of physical fitness on mental health of Chinese college students: across-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The physical and mental health of college students is often mentioned, but there is limited research on a direct relationship between the mental health status of college students and their physical fitness level. This study mainly proves the relationship between Chinese college students' mental health and physical fitness indicators.

METHOD

This study collected SCL-90 Scale test results from 5262 students (4012 boys and 1250 girls) through a questionnaire survey and conducted a Sport Quality Test on these students. Statistical software SPSS was applied for differential analysis and logistic regression analysis. Specifically, the differences in sport quality indicators between normal and abnormal mean total scores of psychological tests were analyzed first. Then, the binary logistic regression model was used to explore the impacts of sports quality indicator scores on students' psychological fitness.

RESULTS

There are differences in the results of physical fitness tests between students with abnormal psychology and students with normal psychology. The four indexes of students' vital capacity, speed, explosive power of lower limbs, and endurance running are effective in improving students' psychologically abnormal state, and endurance running and improving vital capacity are the most effective methods to improve students' psychologically abnormal state. In the physical tests of Chinese college students, the risk of psychological abnormalities was reduced by 9% for every one-point increase in lung capacity and 10.4% for every one-point increase in endurance running performance.

CONCLUSIONS

Chinese college students' physical fitness and mental health are related. The best methods for treating psychological disorders are lung capacity improvement and endurance running. According to the physical test results of Chinese college students, for every 1-point increase in lung capacity and endurance running, the risk of psychological abnormalities decreased by 9% and 10.4%, respectively.

Prediction of instantaneous perceived effort during outdoor running using accelerometry and machine learning

The rate of perceived effort (RPE) is a subjective scale widely used for defining training loads. However, the subjective nature of the metric might lead to an inaccurate representation of the imposed metabolic/mechanical exercise demands. Therefore, this study aimed to predict the rate of perceived exertions during running using biomechanical parameters extracted from a commercially available running smartwatch. Forty-three recreational runners performed a simulated 5-km race on a track, providing their RPE from a Borg scale (6-20) every 400 m. Running distance, heart rate, foot contact time, cadence, stride length, and vertical oscillation were extracted from a running smartwatch (Garmin 735XT). Machine learning regression models were trained to predict the RPE at every 5 s of the 5-km race using subject-independent (leave-one-out), as well as a subject-dependent regression method. The subject-dependent method was tested using 5%, 10%, or 20% of the runner's data in the training set while using the remaining data for testing. The average root-mean-square error (RMSE) in predicting the RPE using the subject-independent method was 1.8 ± 0.8 RPE points (range 0.6-4.1; relative RMSE ~ 12 ± 6%) across the entire 5-km race. However, the error from subject-dependent models was reduced to 1.00 ± 0.31, 0.66 ± 0.20 and 0.45 ± 0.13 RPE points when using 5%, 10%, and 20% of data for training, respectively (average relative RMSE < 7%). All types of predictions underestimated the maximal RPE in ~ 1 RPE point. These results suggest that the data accessible from commercial smartwatches can be used to predict perceived exertion, opening new venues to improve training workload monitoring.

Predictors of successful return to parkrun for first-time adult participants in Scotland

Physical activity is essential for promoting good health and reducing burdens on healthcare systems. parkrun organise free weekly events where participants complete a 5km route. Studies have identified characteristics of participants associated with lower levels of participation. The aim of the study was to identify predictors of the likelihood of returning to parkrun for first-time adult participants. The return rate of adult first-time participants was determined for all 5km parkrun events in Scotland over a 1-year period from February 2019. The dataset consisted of 20,191 adult participants made up of 11,459 females and 8,732 males across 58 venues. A General Linear Mixed Model was used to identify factors associated with return rate. Return rates were negatively correlated with event size and positively correlated with the proportion of first-time adult participants at the event. Age was positively correlated with return rate and males were more likely to return. New participants that finished in a relatively slow time were disproportionately less likely to return. Return rates were positively correlated with the amount of freshwater and woodland on the route. These findings provide potential opportunities to manage events to enhance their efficacy. Specific events could be promoted as first-timer days to encourage new participants to attend together. New events could be prioritised in proximity to events that currently experience high attendances to reduce attendances locally. As the presence of freshwater and woodland are associated with higher return these habitats could play a role in generating the benefits of green exercise. If so the creation of more routes running through or alongside these habitats could be beneficial. The findings are likely to be widely applicable to other mass participation events and those interesting in understanding the mechanism by which green exercise provides its benefits.

Change in health, wellbeing and physical activity levels during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal cohort of parkrun participants in the United Kingdom

Lockdown restrictions imposed across the UK in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a profound impact on many people's health and wellbeing. People were encouraged to be active, but population surveys suggest some groups found this easier than others. We explored the changes in health, wellbeing and physical activity levels among a sample in the UK who experienced the sudden loss of a weekly community-based physical activity opportunity, parkrun. A sample of UK parkrun participants responded to two surveys: pre-COVID-19 in January/February 2019 and during the COVID-19 pandemic in September 2020. Outcomes were happiness, life satisfaction, connections with others, physical health, mental health and physical activity. The sample was stratified by gender, age, deprivation status, physical activity and number of parkruns completed. Demographics were reported using descriptive statistics; distributions between sub-groups were compared using Chi-square tests while differences in outcomes were determined using the Mann-Whitney U test. Open text responses were also analysed. Happiness, life satisfaction, connections with others, physical health and mental health of 450 parkrun participants were negatively impacted for all sub-groups, although the impact was not experienced equally. Physical activity fell by 6% while happiness and life satisfaction fell by 12%. People experienced the worst negative impact on their connections with others. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the wellbeing of a greater proportion of females, younger adults, inactive people, those from higher deprivation areas, and those who had completed fewer parkruns. There is evidence that the wellbeing of those who were more active, and those more involved in a community-based physical activity initiative pre-pandemic, was less negatively affected during the COVID-19 lockdown.

An Evaluation of MINDFIT—A Student Therapeutic Running Group as a Multi-Layered Intervention in the United Kingdom

Background: Mental health is an ever-increasing concern for UK Universities and is underreported. Creative and dynamic approaches to tackle student wellbeing are important. In 2018, Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) Student Wellbeing Service initiated a pilot study of a therapeutic running programme ‘MINDFIT’ that combined physical activity, led by a counsellor, alongside a psychoeducation approach to support student mental health. Methods: Mixed methods were used which included the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), evaluating low mood and depression, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7), evaluating levels of anxiety. Results: A total of 28 students were triaged onto a weekly programme over three semesters. Overall, 86% of the participants completed the programme. A promising reduction in the scores for PHQ-9 and GAD-7 was found at the end of the programme. Focus groups, with student participants, were held to gather qualitative data for analysis. After thematic analysis, three main themes emerged: “Creating a safe community”, “Making progress” and “Pathways to success”. Conclusions: MINDFIT was an effective and engaging multi-layered therapeutic approach. Recommendations identified the importance and effectiveness of the triage process in recruiting students and sustainability of the programme through the continued engagement of students post programme. More research is required to identify the long-term effects of the MINDFIT approach and how applicable it is to higher education contexts.

The 5 K run in popular fiction: Reading about parkrun and couch to 5 K

Recent years have witnessed great interest in mass-participation running events (1), and organisations such as parkrun and fitness programmes like Couch to 5 K, have been instrumental in enabling participation for inexperienced runners. Concomitant with this has been a number of fictional works which centre on the 5 K run. I contend that exploring fictional texts can offer a fresh take on how movements such as parkrun and Couch to 5 K have entered the popular imagination. The four texts explored are Wake's Saturday Morning Park Run (2020), Park's A Run in the Park (2019), Boleyn's Coming Home to Cariad Cove (2022), and James's I Follow You (2020). The analysis is arranged thematically around the categories of health promotion, individual transformation, and community building. I argue that these texts frequently operate as health promotion tools and can help familiarise would-be runners with how parkrun and Couch to 5 K work.

Incorporating 'Green Podiatry' into your clinic, and into your life

BACKGROUND

This commentary outlines practical ways of positively incorporating green podiatry, foot health, physical activity benefits, and relevance to climate change into the clinical setting as Conference of Parties (COP27) approaches. Recent reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the World Economic Forum, and undergraduate curricula concerns, are presented.

MAIN BODY

Climate change is irrefutable, and as health professionals, podiatrists can discuss the benefits and principles of green podiatry with patients of all ages in their clinics, appreciating that people are increasingly worried about the climate crisis. Feet as fundamental for independent, healthy, and carbon-neutral active transport, needs to become a key message. The three pillars for green podiatry are exercise, evidence, and the everyday changes that all podiatrists can make. Likewise, podiatrists can encourage their patients, and in doing so, join with community leadership, alongside other allied health and medical peers.

CONCLUSION

Podiatrists have a shared responsibility to work and live as 'green' as possible, and to share this message with patients. Reducing waste, physically and in the form of unnecessary treatment, and supporting a review of supply chains, are important aspects of reducing health care emissions. Promoting feet as carbon-neutral transport, and physical activity as evidence based and health enhancing, are a sound contribution to twenty-first century public health. Podiatry has a great opportunity for positive legacy.

Outcomes of participation in parkrun, and factors influencing why and how often individuals participate: A systematic review of quantitative studies

The primary objective of this systematic review was to synthesise peer-reviewed quantitative research of outcomes associated with participation in parkrun. The secondary objective was to synthesise the quantitative research of factors influencing why, and how often, individuals participate in parkrun. Studies were identified via electronic search of Medline, AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Informit, PsychInfo, SportDiscus, and Web of Science, to 30 March 2021. Two reviewers independently assessed methodological quality. Eleven studies (18,203 participants) were included. Limited evidence from pre-post measure single-group prospective studies suggests parkrun participation promotes improvements in fitness, body mass index, physical activity levels, mood, and personal wellbeing. Individuals with non-running backgrounds generally had higher levels of participation. The main motivators to participate were to improve fitness and social interaction. Future attendance was most strongly correlated with historical attendance. There is a small evidence base for improvements in broad measures of physical and mental health from participation in parkrun. In addition, the study found improving physical fitness and social wellbeing were the main self-reported factors for participation in parkrun. Further research is needed to strengthen the knowledge base of the effects of parkrun to determine its efficacy as a health intervention strategy for physical and mental health.

Running-related demands and vigor in long-distance runners: The moderating role of resources and recovery

Long-distance running is a demanding sport and runners use a variety of coping strategies to deal with these demands. In this study, we investigated running-related demands, resources, and recovery and, as an indicator of well-being, vigor. Specifically, following the Demand-Induced Strain Compensation Recovery Model, we tested to what degree the relation between running-related demands and vigor was moderated by two coping strategies available in running: running-related resources (e.g., training control, running mate/coach support) and running-related recovery (i.e., detachment from running). Demands, resources, recovery, and vigor were all surveyed across three separate dimensions (i.e., physical, cognitive, emotional) in a cross-sectional sample of 623 recreational long-distance runners. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to determine to what degree the demands-vigor relation was moderated by resources and recovery. Evidence for moderations was found for the cognitive and emotional dimensions of vigor, revealing four significant moderating effects of resources or recovery on the demands-vigor relation. Three of these effects involved emotional resources or recovery. Contrary to expectations, results also showed that in two cases higher recovery was associated with lower vigor, rather than higher, when runners experienced high demands. In all, we found modest support for the role of resources and recovery in altering the nature of the demands-vigor relation in recreational long-distance runners. This study highlights the importance of the emotional dimension of demands, resources, and recovery, as those facets were most important in predicting vigor in runners. Practical implications are addressed with regard to emotional resources and recovery for long-distance runners.

“Like Nothing I’ve Seen Before”: A Qualitative Inquiry Into the Lived Experience of Competing in a Trail Running Event

Background

A recent upsurge in nature-based exercise research demonstrates the potential added benefits of exercising in this context compared to more urban ones. Yet there is a lack of qualitative research investigating the lived experiences of those who participate in nature-based exercise events.

Objective

To explore the lived experience of individuals who were first-time participants in a nature-based running event.

Method

Six participants who completed the Run Forrest trail run for the first time were individually interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were devised, and participants were invited to talk about their experiences of running in the event. Interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

Following data analysis, two superordinate themes were constructed to resemble participant experiences. “Maintaining good health is vital” reflected participants’ personal theory of health and their perceived benefits of exercise. “Nature as a special place” reflected the atmospheric characteristics of the event, including the pre-event set-up and the actual running event itself.

Conclusion

Analysis suggests that participants considered the event and natural environment to provide unique value adding opportunities that encouraged positive experiences. These results also reaffirm the positive benefits associated with nature-based exercise, including potential benefits to individual wellbeing. Further research in this context may strengthen our collective understanding regarding individual motivation towards such events.

Sport Participation and Subjective Outcomes of Health in Middle-Aged Men: A Scoping Review

Although sport participation is intrinsically motivating and improves the physical health of middle-aged men, its influence on subjective health measures, such as health-related quality of life, self-rated health, or well-being is unclear. The purpose of this scoping review was to describe the existing literature that has assessed male sport participants and their subjective health. MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycInfo, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched, and reference lists of included studies were pearled. Included were original peer-reviewed studies reporting a marker of subjective health in males, 35 to 54 years (average), who participated in sport. The search identified 21 eligible articles, 18 quantitative, 2 mixed-methods, and 1 qualitative, from 13 different countries. Eighteen studies were cross-sectional. A broad range of outcomes were assessed, with the most common being quality of life/health-related quality of life (n = 6) and self-rated health (n = 6). Most studies assessing quality of life, health-related quality of life, or self-rated health demonstrated a positive association with sport participation, while sport participation was not related to measures of life satisfaction, flourishing, happiness or global well-being; however, limited studies examined these latter outcomes. Sport participation appears to be related to better select subjective health outcomes in middle-aged men. However, most available data are cross-sectional and thus causation cannot be determined. Randomized intervention trials are required to determine whether sport participation improves the subjective health of middle-aged men.

Open Science Framework registration:https://osf.io/zypds

Collaboration between primary care and a voluntary, community sector organisation: Practical guidance from the parkrun practice initiative

Voluntary and community sector organisations are increasing their role in supporting primary care services through 'social prescribing'. parkrun is a charity that delivers free, weekly 5 km events, on a Saturday morning in areas of open space across the UK and globally. In June 2018, parkrun and the Royal College of General Practitioners launched an initiative to encourage the linking of general practitioner practices and local parkrun events. This study investigates the interaction between parkrun events and practices in order to understand why and how parkrun events' promote such linkage, and their experiences of doing so. Its purpose was to provide practical recommendations for developing the parkrun practice initiative and similar collaborations between primary care and voluntary and community sector organisations. An online survey, which included both tick box questions and free text comments was sent to Event Directors for all UK parkrun events and completed by half (322/634, 50.8%). Over two-thirds (225/322; 69.6%) of the event teams were knowingly linked with one or more general practices; and this was generally viewed as having been a positive experience and was motivated by wanting to positively impact on the health and well-being of their community. Challenges centred on the process of initiating contact between parkrun events and practices; the lack of time among parkrun event volunteers to promote the scheme; and the difficulty of clarifying parkrun event and practice responsibilities, including who takes the lead. Practical recommendations include: ensuring clear pathways of communication between event teams and practices (e.g. via a Link Worker or designated person within the practice and/or parkrun event); minimising resource implications and ensuring mutual understanding from practices and parkrun event teams as to expected roles and involvement. Our findings, while focused on the parkrun practice initiative, are likely to have relevance to other collaborations between primary care and voluntary and community sector organisations.

Motivation to Improve Mental Wellbeing via Community Physical Activity Initiatives and the Associated Impacts-A Cross-Sectional Survey of UK parkrun Participants

Participation in regular physical activity is a well-established strategy to support good mental wellbeing in adults with, and without, mental health conditions. The physical activity initiative parkrun is a free, weekly, timed, running and walking event which is attended by people from the local community of all abilities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mental wellbeing of UK parkrun participants along with their motives for taking part and the impact of participation. Mental health conditions were self-reported in 2.5% of 60,000 respondents to an online survey of parkrunners, with the most prevalent being depression and anxiety. Those with mental health conditions were more motivated than those without to first participate in parkrun to manage their health conditions and improve their mental health. Those with mental health conditions were equally motivated to improve their physical health when compared to those without, and reported similar levels of improvement. Mental wellbeing scores for those with mental health conditions were close to the normal range, suggesting that engagement in parkrun may have had a role in limiting the effect of their illness. Community initiatives could replicate parkrun's model, and use the potential for both mental and physical health improvement, as well as health condition management, as a motivation for participation.

Exploring the benefits of participation in community-based running and walking events: a cross-sectional survey of parkrun participants

Background

Whilst the benefits of physical activity for health and wellbeing are recognised, population levels of activity remain low. Significant inequalities exist, with socioeconomically disadvantaged populations being less physically active and less likely to participate in community events. We investigated the perceived benefits from participation in a weekly running/walking event called parkrun by those living in the most socioeconomically deprived areas and doing the least physical activity.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was emailed to 2,318,135 parkrun participants in the UK. Demographic and self-reported data was collected on life satisfaction, happiness, health status, physical activity, motives, and the perceived benefits of parkrun. Motivation, health status and benefits were compared for sub-groups defined by physical activity level at parkrun registration and residential Index of Multiple Deprivation.

Results

60,000 completed surveys were received (2.7% of those contacted). Respondents were more recently registered with parkrun (3.1 v. 3.5 years) than the parkrun population and had a higher frequency of parkrun participation (14.5 v. 3.7 parkruns per year). Those inactive at registration and from deprived areas reported lower happiness, lower life satisfaction and poorer health compared to the full sample. They were more likely to want to improve their physical health, rather than get fit or for competition. Of those reporting less than one bout of activity per week at registration, 88% (87% in the most deprived areas) increased their physical activity level and 52% (65% in the most deprived areas) reported improvements to overall health behaviours. When compared to the full sample, a greater proportion of previously inactive respondents from the most deprived areas reported improvements to fitness (92% v. 89%), physical health (90% v. 85%), happiness (84% v. 79%) and mental health (76% v. 69%).

Conclusion

The least active respondents from the most socioeconomically deprived areas reported increases to their activity levels and benefits to health and wellbeing since participating in parkrun. Whilst the challenge of identifying how community initiatives like parkrun can better engage with underrepresented populations remains, if this can be achieved they could have a critical public health role in addressing inequalities in benefits associated with recreational physical activity.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11986-0.

Motivation and Behaviour Change in Parkrun Participants in the Western Cape Province, South Africa

Mass participation events are promoted in South Africa as a positive public health initiative. Parkrun has grown to be one of the most popular. The present study identifies the motives of residents in the Western Cape Province to join parkrun and how their involvement influences future physical activity levels. Participants (N = 1787) completed a survey consisting of demographic history, parkrun participation history, motivations for participation, and physical activity-related behaviour changes associated with parkrun participation. The majority of participants were female (n = 952) and over 50 years of age (median = 50; IQR = 38-59). Along with health-related benefits, the provision of a safe and organised event was reported as a key motive to participate. The social connectedness developed by parkrun encouraged continued participation and promoted uptake of more physical activity. Close to half the participants reported increases in physical activity levels after joining parkrun, which demonstrates the benefit obtained from participation in structured mass participation events. With the large diversity in socioeconomic status in South Africa related to physical activity levels, parkrun provides a protected and engaging environment that provides opportunity for increased physical activity and potentially reducing the burden on the healthcare system.

Action research with parkrun UK volunteer organizers to develop inclusive strategies

This article addresses the challenge of promoting physical activity through a focus on equity and engaging physically inactive citizens through the development of inclusive strategies within parkrun UK-a free, volunteer-led, weekly mass community participation running event. We discuss how a UK-based action research design enabled collaboration with volunteer event organizers to understand participant experiences, constraints and develop localized inclusive practices. In contrast with 'expert'-driven health behaviour interventions, our research pursued a 'ground up' approach by asking what can be learnt from the successes and challenges of organizing community events, such as parkrun UK, to promote inclusion? A modified participatory action research approach was used with four parkrun sites across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, that involved quantitative and qualitative analysis of survey data (n = 655) that informed the process. Our analysis explored parkrunners' and volunteer organizers' perceptions relating to (i) the demographics of parkrun participation and (ii) actions for change in relation to the challenges of engaging marginalized groups (women, ethnic minorities, low income, older people, those with disabilities or illness). We discuss the challenges and opportunities for addressing (in)equity and inclusion through volunteer-based organizations and the implications for translating knowledge into organizational strategies.

Associations of physical performance and physical activity with mental well-being in middle-aged women

Background

To investigate whether physical performance is independently of physical activity (PA) associated with positive and negative dimensions of mental well-being in middle-aged women.

Methods

Data were drawn from the Estrogenic Regulation of Muscle Apoptosis (ERMA) study in which women 47 to 55 years were randomly selected from the Finnish National Registry. They (n = 909) participated in measurements of physical performance (handgrip force, knee extension force, vertical jumping height, maximal walking speed, and six-minute walking distance). Both mental well-being (the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the International Positive and Negative Affect Schedule Short Form and the Satisfaction with Life Scale) and PA were self-reported. Associations between variables were analysed using multivariate linear regression modelling adjusted for body height, fat mass %, menopausal status and symptoms, marital status, parity, employment status, self-reported mental disorders, and use of psycholeptics and psychoanaleptics. PA was then entered into a separate model to explore its role in the associations.

Results

In the adjusted models, significant positive associations of six-minute walking distance with positive affectivity (B = 0.12, p = 0.002) and life satisfaction (B = 0.15, p = 0.033) were observed. No significant associations were observed between physical performance and depressive symptoms or negative affectivity. PA was positively associated with positive affectivity and life satisfaction and negatively with depressive symptoms across all the physical performance variables.

Conclusions

Of the physical performance dimensions, aerobic component was associated with positive mental well-being independently of PA level. In relation to other physical performance components, the results point to the benefits of physical activity for mental well-being.

Evidence on the reach and impact of the social physical activity phenomenon parkrun: A scoping review

•

parkrun research shows health value and a model which suits participants.

•

parkrun engages traditionally under-represented populations in physical activity.

•

parkrun participation has a dose–response relationship with improved fitness.

•

Future research should examine discontinuing participants and non-participants.

The aim of this study was to conduct a scoping review of parkrun literature for evidence of its reach, health impact and appeal whilst identifying gaps for future research. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Six databases were searched according to search terms set a priori. Empirical studies of any design were included if they provided data on participation in, or benefits of, parkrun and were in English. Two authors conducted the searches independently and screened results by title and abstract, followed by full text reviews. A total of 235 records were screened and 15 studies were eligible; 12 were conducted in the UK and three in Australia. Seven were qualitative interview studies, six were quantitative, and two used mixed methods. parkrun reaches groups traditionally underrepresented in other organised sports or physical activity such as women, the insufficiently active and those aged over 35 years. Participants showed sustained improvements in fitness, physical activity levels, and body mass index with a dose–response effect with participation frequency. Qualitative data shows parkrun’s location in pleasant environments with opportunities for informal social interaction engages priority groups such as individuals with mental health issues, women and children. The small evidence base suggests parkrun has good reach, and can positively impact participants’ health and wellbeing. The data, however, are currently UK-centric and gaps in research on non-participants, long term health impacts and operationally relevant factors should be addressed.

A Scoping Review of the Relationship between Running and Mental Health

Poor mental health contributes significantly to global morbidity. The evidence regarding physical benefits of running are well-established. However, the mental health impacts of running remain unclear. An overview of the relationship between running and mental health has not been published in the last 30 years. The purpose of this study was to review the literature on the relationship between running and mental health. Our scoping review used combinations of running terms (e.g., Run* and Jog*) and mental health terms (general and condition specific). Databases used were Ovid(Medline), Ovid(Embase), ProQuest and SportDiscus. Quantitative study types reporting on the relationships between running and mental health were included. Database searches identified 16,401 studies; 273 full-texts were analysed with 116 studies included. Overall, studies suggest that running bouts of variable lengths and intensities, and running interventions can improve mood and mental health and that the type of running can lead to differential effects. However, lack of controls and diversity in participant demographics are limitations that need to be addressed. Cross-sectional evidence shows not only a range of associations with mental health but also some associations with adverse mental health (such as exercise addiction). This review identified extensive literature on the relationship between running and mental health.

Personal, Social, and Environmental Mediators Associated With Increased Recreational Physical Activity in Women and Girls in the Kingdom of Tonga

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this paper was to identify personal, social, and environmental mediators of recreational physical activity (PA) in a 6-month netball-based intervention for women and girls in Tonga.

METHODS

Tonga Netball's "low-engagement village program" was implemented in 10 villages and aimed to increase the recreational PA levels in women and girls through a comprehensive, structured community-level netball program addressing key barriers to participation. In a mixed-methods approach, these mediating barriers were identified through qualitative interviews based on the socioecological model. Quantitative measures for mediators and recreational PA were then developed, and data from 301 women and girls were collected. Standard mediation analyses methods were then applied.

RESULTS

Program participation appeared to significantly increase PA levels. Statistically significant personal mediators were body issues, preferring competitions, and clothing. Social mediators were support from sports council, community leaders, friends, and church. Environmental mediators were travel time and access to balls, bibs, and umpires.

CONCLUSION

A comprehensive community-level program addressing key participation barriers can increase recreational PA among women and girls in Tonga. Triangulating these results with mediation analyses of variables on the causal pathway can strengthen our understanding of causation and inform funding prioritization for critical program components in similar contexts.

Runner's Perceptions of Reasons to Quit Running: Influence of Gender, Age and Running-Related Characteristics

Physical inactivity has become a major public health concern and, consequently, the awareness of striving for a healthy lifestyle has increased. As a result, the popularity of recreational sports, such as running, has increased. Running is known for its low threshold to start and its attractiveness for a heterogeneous group of people. Yet, one can still observe high drop-out rates among (novice) runners. To understand the reasons for drop-out as perceived by runners, we investigate potential reasons to quit running among short distance runners (5 km and 10 km) (n = 898). Data used in this study were drawn from the standardized online Eindhoven Running Survey 2016 (ERS16). Binary logistic regressions were used to investigate the relation between reasons to quit running and different variables like socio-demographic variables, running habits and attitudes, interests, and opinions (AIOs) on running. Our results indicate that, not only people of different gender and age show significant differences in perceived reasons to quit running, also running habits, (e.g., running context and frequency) and AIOs are related to perceived reasons to quit running too. With insights into these related variables, potential drop-out reasons could help health professionals in understanding and lowering drop-out rates among recreational runners.

Changes in physical activity, weight and wellbeing outcomes among attendees of a weekly mass participation event: a prospective 12-month study

BACKGROUND

Mass participation events are recognized as a way of engaging low-active individuals in health-enhancing physical activity, but there is a need to investigate the sustained effects on behaviour and health. This study aimed to examine changes in self-reported physical activity, weight and wellbeing over 12 months in participants of parkrun, a weekly mass participation 5 km running event.

METHODS

New parkrun registrants (n = 354) completed self-reported measures of physical activity, weight, happiness and stress, at registration, 6 months and 12 months. Objective data on attendance and fitness (i.e. run dates and finishing times) were obtained from the parkrun database.

RESULTS

Overall physical activity levels were high at baseline, but significantly increased over the first 6 months, before declining. By 12 months, weekly physical activity was 39 min higher than baseline. Significant reductions in body mass index were observed over 12 months, with a weight loss of 1.1% in the whole sample, and 2.4% among overweight participants. Modest increases in happiness and decreases in perceived stress were recorded. Run times suggested a 12% improvement in fitness during the study.

CONCLUSION

Significant changes in weight, fitness and wellbeing outcomes indicate the public health benefits of regular participation in parkrun.

How can we get more people with long-term health conditions involved in parkrun? A qualitative study evaluating parkrun's PROVE project

Background

People with long-term health conditions face barriers to physical activity and community health interventions despite potential life-changing benefits for self-management of their condition and wellbeing. A weekly mass participation running, walking and volunteering event called parkrun launched a project called PROVE in 2016 to engage people living with long-term health conditions in England. Over the 3 year project, parkrun appointed volunteer Outreach Ambassadors with a specialist interest in the health condition they represented whose role was to ensure parkrun was welcoming, supportive and inclusive. This qualitative study aimed to understand the experience of the PROVE project for people with long-term health conditions.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 PROVE Outreach Ambassadors representing 13 different long-term health conditions in England. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Rigour and transparency were sought in addition to utilising independent researchers to offer alternative interpretations of the data.

Results

Data analysis resulted in 4 overarching themes and 13 subthemes. Outreach Ambassadors believed that parkrun was already supportive of people with long-term health conditions, but that the PROVE project enabled the support to be delivered in a more structured way across health conditions and locations. Outreach Ambassadors believed that the PROVE project had the potential to create a welcoming, safe space for people with long-term health conditions to participate as walkers, runners or volunteers. Success of the PROVE project was believed to be dependent on being realistic about the potential to bring about change, challenging people's perceptions of parkrun and engaging with key stakeholders and advocacy groups. Challenges for parkrun were believed to be around communication, demonstrating impact and the project's dependence on volunteers for delivery.

Conclusions

This is the first study of its kind to explore the public health potential of parkrun for people with long-term health conditions. parkrun's PROVE project was regarded to be important for ensuring that people with long-term health conditions can engage in physical activity and volunteering in a safe and supportive environment. The findings have important implications for parkrun, policy makers and physical activity providers looking to deliver inclusive community physical activity opportunities.

Associations of presence or absence of exercise and/or physical activity with non-restorative sleep by gender and age: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Non-restorative sleep (NRS) is related to qualitative aspects of sleep. The associations of NRS with exercise (EX; a planned and purposeful activity) and physical activity (PA; daily bodily movement) by gender and age have not yet been clarified. We investigated the associations of EX and/or PA with NRS by gender and age.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

SETTING

The data on gender, age, presence of NRS and engagement in EX and/or PA were obtained from database and questionnaire of specified medical check-ups in FY 2013 in Japan. The analysis was conducted in 2017.

PARTICIPANTS

The subjects comprised 90 122 residents (38 603 males and 51 519 females), aged 40-74 years, who had completed the specified medical check-ups.

OUTCOME MEASURE

The presence of NRS was assessed using a question asking whether or not the subjects usually got enough sleep. NRS was considered to be present when the subjects answered 'No'. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the associations of presence or absence of EX and/or PA with NRS. The OR and 95% CI of NRS prevalence were calculated and compared between those engaged in both EX and PA and the others.

RESULTS

Except for 40s and 70s among males and 40s and 50s among females, the absence of EX or PA was associated with higher ORs of NRS than referent. ORs were more than twice compared with the referents in males in their 50s (OR 2.030(95% CI 1.675 to 2.459)) and 60s (OR 2.148(95% CI 1.970 to 2.343)) and females in their 60s (OR 2.142(95% CI 1.994 to 2.302)) when they engaged in neither EX nor PA.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare providers must take into account the similarities and differences in the associations of EX and/or PA with NRS by gender and age when they support people with NRS.

Injury incidence and risk factors: a cohort study of 706 8-km or 16-km recreational runners

Objectives

To report (1) the injury incidence in recreational runners in preparation for a 8-km or 16-km running event and (2) which factors were associated with an increased injury risk.

Methods

Prospective cohort study in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Participants (n=5327) received a baseline survey to determine event distance (8 km or 16 km), main sport, running experience, previous injuries, recent overuse injuries and personal characteristics. Three days after the race, they received a follow-up survey to determine duration of training period, running distance per week, training hours, injuries during preparation and use of technology. Univariate and multivariate regression models were applied to examine potential risk factors for injuries.

Results

1304 (24.5%) participants completed both surveys. After excluding participants with current health problems, no signed informed consent, missing or incorrect data, we included 706 (13.3%) participants. In total, 142 participants (20.1%) reported an injury during preparation for the event. Univariate analyses (OR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.4) and multivariate analyses (OR: 1.7, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.5) showed that injury history was a significant risk factor for running injuries (Nagelkerke R-square=0.06).

Conclusion

An injury incidence for recreational runners in preparation for a running event was 20%. A previous injury was the only significant risk factor for running-related injuries.

The Economic Case for the Prevention of Mental Illness

Poor mental health has profound economic consequences. Given the burden of poor mental health, the economic case for preventing mental illness and promoting better mental health may be very strong, but too often prevention attracts little attention and few resources. This article describes the potential role that can be played by economic evidence alongside experimental trials and observational studies, or through modeling, to substantiate the need for increased investment in prevention. It illustrates areas of action across the life course where there is already a good economic case. It also suggests some further areas of substantive public health concern, with promising effectiveness evidence, that may benefit from economic analysis. Financial and economic barriers to implementation are then presented, and strategies to address the barriers and increase investment in the prevention of mental illness are suggested.

Health and broader community benefit of parkrun-An exploratory qualitative study

ISSUE ADDRESSED

parkrun is a free, weekly, timed, international mass community 5-km walk/run event. Unlike other paid events, parkrun attracts populations harder to engage in physical activity (PA) (eg, women, those with overweight/obesity or illness/injury/disability). This exploratory qualitative study investigated the individual, social and environmental factors associated with parkrun's broad appeal in Australia.

METHODS

Tasmanian parkrunners who completed a quantitative survey (2016) were purposively recruited for a 2017 interview study. Semistructured interviews focused on reasons for parkrun participation. Data saturation was achieved by the tenth interview. Data were analysed thematically.

RESULTS

Four themes emerged: (a) participation facilitators and barriers; (b) PA gain and broader community benefit; (c) social connections/networks; and (d) organisational issues. Appealing characteristics of parkrun included strong social support, performance gain opportunities, socialising, inclusivity (eg, all ages/abilities), sense of community, positive atmosphere and accessibility (eg, no cost and convenience). Some participants reported that parkrun had stimulated gains in their total PA (not always limited to walking/running) and that parkrun may also result in other community benefits (eg, supporting local businesses, fee-based running club/event participation and "parkrun tourism"). Most participants first attended parkrun because of encouragement from their social networks, and participants subsequently encouraged others to attend. Participants found parkrun events well organised, but identified some potential threats (eg, local politics).

CONCLUSIONS

Social factors appeared critical in driving initial and ongoing parkrun participation. parkrun may lead to wider community benefits beyond that gained through increased individual PA. These findings highlight the "success factors" driving parkrun participation and provide insights for other community-based PA promotion activities.