Results from one of the largest studies of its kind reinforce the positive impact of movement on mental wellbeing.

[13 May 2024 – London] Today, ASICS announces the results of a study designed to measure the real-world impact of a twice-weekly movement-based programme, initially tested by the company in a 2021 trial. The 18-month study demonstrated that the ASICS Movement for Mind programme had a positive effect on mental wellbeing when offered at scale to the UK population. Those taking part experienced significant improvement in their mental wellbeing, as measured by the internationally recognised Warwick-Edinburgh mental wellbeing scale.

The scientific study, led by world-leading researcher in movement and mental health Professor Brendon Stubbs, reinforces the positive impact of following the simple, eight-week programme where people walk or run for only 30 minutes twice a week. The audio programme combines movement with practiced, varied techniques bringing together traditional knowledge and science to encourage connection to the body and natural world.

Professor Brendon Stubbs said, ‘Our 2021 randomised control trial involved almost two hundred people and proved that the ASICS Movement for Mind programme positively impacted mental wellbeing. To establish definitively if the programme would deliver the same benefit in the real world, it was necessary to undertake a real-world evaluation of the programme. This is what we did, inviting thousands of people to take part and tracking their wellbeing changes. And I’m pleased to say that we have continued to observe improved mental wellbeing results due to the twice-weekly programme sessions. This is an important step forward in our understanding of the link between movement and mental wellbeing. We can confidently re-assert that even small amounts of exercise can help people feel better.’

Gary Raucher, Executive Vice President at ASICS EMEA, said, ‘It’s widely acknowledged that feelings of stress and anxiety are at record levels. We hope that by offering the ASICS Movement for Mind programme, we can make a positive difference in raising awareness of the mental benefits of movement, even if for only 30 minutes twice a week.

‘At ASICS we have always believed in the benefits of movement on the mind.  It’s why we are called ASICS: Anima Sana in Corpore Sano or a Sound Mind in a Sound Body.’ 

About ASICS Movement for Mind

The eight-week ASICS Movement for Mind programme consists of two thirty-minute audio sessions per week. Participants can walk or run the sessions. Each week covers a different theme and ASICS worked with a team of experts to develop each session so the programme builds week by week.

ASICS Movement for Mind brings together simple, proven techniques and combines them with movement to create something varied and accessible. Introducing breathwork, mindful movement, Sophrology, connecting to nature, music and mindful meditation, the programme requires no previous experience or level of fitness to follow.

A full explanation of ASICS Movement for Mind, the experts behind it and links to the podcast version of the sessions are available here.

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The ASICS Movement for Mind Real-World Study

The study was accessible to anyone above the age of 18 and took place from October 2022 to March 2024. In total, 2909 participants followed the ASICS Movement for Mind programme for eight weeks and provided data for all wellbeing outcomes.

They then repeated the same wellbeing survey after completing the programme.

Study participants were aged from 18 years old and upwards.

53% of study participants were female and 46% male, with the remainder choosing non-binary, other or not to say.

The overall results of the study showed that the ASICS Movement for Mind programme:

• Had a positive impact on wellbeing, comparable to the  randomised control trial conducted in 2021
• Improved mental wellbeing on the Warwick-Edinburgh mental wellbeing scale by 1.08 points (where a difference of one point is clinically meaningful)
• Was enjoyed by 85% of study participants 
• Would be recommended by 76% of study participants