St Mary’s Secures Grant from Badminton World Federation

The School of Sport, Health and Applied Science at St Mary’s University, Twickenham has been awarded a $6,000 grant to explore the effect of badminton and running on women’s health. St Mary’s Exercise Physiology Senior Lecturer Dr Stephen Patterson received the grant from the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to investigate the effect of badminton on health and fitness markers of women aged 18 to 45 who are not currently achieving the government recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week. As part of the study, the research group will be offering free badminton or running sessions for eight weeks to women who do not currently meet the suggested 150 minutes exercise. Participants will be given a free health and fitness assessment before and after the eight weeks. Dr Patterson said, “According to recent government statistics nearly 50% of women do not meet the required 150 minutes of exercise per week. Due to the important health implications of physical activity, strategies to increase this are warranted. “Thanks to this grant from the BWF we are looking to investigate the effect of badminton or running on an individual’s health. This is a great opportunity for women in the local area to improve their fitness and health in the New Year with free fitness sessions every week for 8 weeks.” Any who would like to take part should contact Dr Patterson on Stephen.patterson@stmarys.ac.uk