Charnwood's novice runners wanted for Loughborough University study

Participants are being sought for a new project exploring the health impacts of beginner runner programmes such as ‘Couch to 5k’.

The popular programme supports novice runners to start running, with a view of being able to run 5k by the end of the 9-week course.

The study, which is being led by academics in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, is needed as despite its popularity and being recommended by the NHS, the programme has yet to be fully evaluated.

Researchers will explore how the well-known beginner’s running programme – which is usually downloaded as an app – impacts markers of physical and mental health.

Willing participants are needed to commence the study between 29 April - 20 May and will be required to download the app and follow the 9-week programme.

Each week is composed of three training sessions on separate days, which range from 30-40 minutes of exercise per session (including walking time).

Throughout the process, participants will be asked to complete three online surveys on their experiences.

Of the research, Dr Stacy Clemes, the project lead, said: “Vigorous exercise, such as running, provides many health benefits.

“We have previously found that novice runners completing a beginner’s running programme delivered within a group setting experienced large increases in fitness, reductions in body weight, and increases in their confidence for running.

“However, the potential health benefits of the Couch to 5k programme delivered by the app are yet to be fully quantified.”

Those interested in being involved should email Dr Clemes at: s.a.clemes@lboro.ac.uk to see if they are eligible to take part.