Physiotherapist Brendon Stubbs oversees successful bid to improve town's mental wellbeing

In the Retford event, which was held on 25 September, Dr Stubbs found that the town’s ‘mental uplift’ score rose from 56 out of 100 to 71 out of 100 (an increase of 27 per cent). Dr Stubbs is a senior clinical lecturer at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, part of King’s College London

On the day, ASICS transformed the streets of Retford into a ‘movement-inspired gym’. Bus stops became ‘bus steps’, while benches were turned into ‘bench presses’ and lampposts became ‘goal posts’.

Residents, who were joined by mental health advocate Katie Piper, measured the impact of movement on their mind using a special tool.

The Uplifting Minds study is open to everyone. To be part of the research, people are being invited to ‘capture their state of mind’ before and after exercising here: https://minduplifter.asics.com

People who share their research results in Europe on social media with #UpliftingMinds will also help raise funds for mental health charity Mind.

Back to ASICS

Gary Raucher, ASICS’ executive vice president, said the company's history of championing the effects of sport on the body and mind spanned more than 70 years.

‘It’s why we are called ASICS – it’s an acronym from the Latin, Anima Sana in Corpore Sano or a Sound Mind in a Sound Body. The results in Retford really demonstrate the power of movement to have a very significant impact on our mental wellbeing.

'We will continue to shine a light on the role of movement to help people feel better and support the fantastic work of Mind who is fighting for better mental health.'

Council support

There was a real positive vibe in the town, which I hope has rubbed off on other people and has since encouraged them to get out and start to make a positive difference to their health [Councillor Sue Shaw]

Retford mayor and councillor Carolyn Troop said: ‘I’m thrilled that ASICS chose to hold this event in Retford and I would like to thank all of the residents for taking part, as well as the organisations that made it happen. As the name suggests, I’ve no doubt that the event uplifted the town and its people.’

Sue Shaw, a councillor and cabinet member for health and community wellbeing at Bassetlaw District Council, added. ‘It was a fantastic event and inspiring to see that individuals, friends and families of all ages and abilities wanted to be part of something that can really benefit your physical and mental wellbeing.'

Ms Shaw added: 'There was a real positive vibe in the town, which I hope has rubbed off on other people and has since encouraged them to get out and start to make a positive difference to their health.’

To find out more about the experiment, visit: https://www.asics.com/gb/en-gb/mk/mind-uplifter

To watch the official event, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aVRffOb2vA

To find out more about Brendon Stubbs’ role, visit: https://www.physioupdate.co.uk/on-the-move/physio-brendon-stubbs-overseeing-unique-experiment-to-boost-wellbeing-in-retford-nottinghamshire-/