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May 21, 2008

Research- Fit for work?

Bus drivers, office staff and managers from three major organisations have signed up to the trial run by a team from the University’s Institute of Psychological Sciences in partnership with the Health and Safety Laboratory, and funded by a £300,000 grant from the BUPA Foundation.

Team leader, Dr Rebecca Lawton, said: “Exercise not only reduces the risk of physical illness and therefore sickness absence but can also lessen anxiety and depression, and help people perform everyday tasks better.”

Dr Lawton’s team found people’s number-one obstacle to being active is lack of time. In response, they have developed a toolkit of materials to help people overcome barriers and encourage a change in attitude towards getting fit. It includes a fridge magnet to help participants monitor their exercise, as well as tips and hints on getting fit.

Dr Lawton said: “Many of us sit for long periods of the day at work. The organisations

we are working with want to give their staff the opportunity to become more active because this has real benefits for health and well-being. We hope the trial will help change the way people think about activity and that by working in groups with peer group support our participants and their employers will see real changes.”

More than 200 FirstGroup bus drivers from Leeds and York are taking part in the trial. Operations director David Phillips said: “Our drivers can be behind the wheel for up to 10 hours a day, so I believe we have a responsibility as an employer to look after their well-being.

“We see the research as a stepping stone to promoting health and linking with other partners, such as local gyms.”

Other businesses interested in taking part in the trial should contact Dr McEachan on 0113 3435734 or e-mail [email protected] For further information on the University of Leeds’ Institute of Psychological Sciences follow the link below.

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