FIA UPDATE


David Stalker, CEO of the FIA, reports on the launch of the fitness industry’s new Research Institute


T


he new FIA Research Institute, based at London’s University of Greenwich, aims to build the evidence


base for exercise. It puts research at the very core of our sector, generating credibility for the industry and providing a platform into academia. It also bridges the gap between research, front line services and the consumer by bringing exercise and science research to industry operators and suppliers.


objectives The institute has three main goals: • To investigate, evaluate and validate the use of structured exercise delivered in the fitness sector as a public health tool • To scientifically appraise existing exercise programmes using physiological and health markers • To collect, publish and disseminate data collected via thorough scientific investigation It aims to solve what is often referred


to as a ‘research gap’ between clinical trials on the effectiveness of exercise in the management of chronic disease and the current lack of evidence for the effectiveness of exercise-based interventions delivered within our sector. The institute will focus on exercise


interventions rather than physical activity or ‘activities of everyday life’, both of which have been thoroughly researched internationally. However, it will not be limited to understanding the effectiveness of exercise in condition management – it may also analyse the effectiveness of fi tness sector interventions in delivering long-term behaviour change, as demonstrated through sustainable levels of physical activity.


academic support The institute works in conjunction with the FIA’s Joint Consultative Forum to demonstrate the scientific evidence base for the effectiveness of commissioned exercise services. It’s led by Professor


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Alfonso Jimenez, who has extensive experience in the field of sport and exercise science, supported by a Scientific Advisory Board. This is chaired by the FIA’s chief medical officer, Dr John Searle OBE, and includes academics and representatives from BASES, The Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine, and commissioning bodies such as the Association of the Directors of Public Health.


NEWS Providing the evidence


Health Club Management is the FIA’s Public Affairs Media Partner


New institute: Building the evidence base for exercise


pilot study A 12-week intervention pilot study begins next month to assess the impact of a structured exercise programme, delivered within a fitness environment, on cardiovascular health and psychological wellbeing, in comparison with general gym usage and sedentary behaviour. Between 50 and 100 subjects, aged


18–45 (male) and 18–50 (female) – all free from chronic conditions and not currently following a structured intervention – will be split into two groups. One will be assigned an exercise programme to follow for 12 weeks; the other will continue to exercise freely and sporadically. Baseline measures will be taken,


including cardio-respiratory fi tness, musculoskeletal health, blood pressure, cholesterol, body composition, insulin sensitivity, C-reactive protein, adipokines and perceived wellbeing. The same measures will be taken for comparison at six and 12 weeks. Both groups will wear a Technogym


wellness key and MYZONE heart rate monitor: throughout the 12 weeks, all structured exercise and other physical activity will be monitored to assess whether the level and intensity of physical activity outside the gym can impact on the health markers. The study will thereby


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offer insight into the benefi ts of combined, structured resistance and aerobic training programmes on scientifi c measures of health, offering operators an evidence- based programme to pass on to members.


the future A larger scale investigation is then scheduled to begin in 2012, to last for a full year across multiple locations in the UK. It will follow a similar format to the pilot study, investigating the impact of structured exercise compared with general physical activity – all with a view to providing data and conclusions that the fitness industry can use to improve the quality of exercise provision and provide a stronger link with public health. The institute is also compiling a


comprehensive review – available to FIA members in the form of an FIA Research Institute library – of the scientifi c evidence surrounding the impact of different modes of exercise and physical activity on a range of conditions including hypertension, obesity, insulin sensitivity, musculoskeletal health and psychological wellbeing. The long-term plans of the institute


will be confi rmed once the Scientifi c Advisory Board meets in September.


The FIA Research Institute is supported by Lifetime, Technogym and MYZONE.


august 2011 © cybertrek 2011


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