The Appliance of Science
24 pupils from a Teesside school are participating in a Teesside University project which examines the effects of high intensity exercise on adolescents. The study, named Project FFAB (Fun Fast Activity Blasts), is being led by Katy Taylor from Teesside University as part of her PhD and has been a result of the partnership formed between Teesside University, St Michaels RC School and Tees Active.
The Year 9 pupils from St Michaels were subject to 15 minutes of high intensity exercise three times per week over a period of 10 weeks. The exercise intensity of the pupils was measured using heart rate monitors as the boys completed a variety of exercises involving boxing, football and basketball.
The pupils were also put through their paces by using a virtual reality boxing ‘exer-game’ developed by Dr Iain Spears and colleagues at Teesside University which proved to be a real hit with the boys.
PE teacher Tony Hall said “ This has been a tremendous experience for our pupils to be involved in some cutting edge research and their commitment to the project has meant them participating in the sessions at lunch times and after school.”
Katy Taylor added “The 10 week period of the project finishes in June and I am looking forward to examining the results. The partnership we have formed with St Michaels and Tees Active has been extremely productive and I am sure we will work together on further projects.
Notes to reporters / editors / photographers
Tees Active began operating on May 1st 2004, employs around 370 staff and is a non-profit-distributing organisation. Billingham Belasis, Splash, Thornaby Pavilion, Thornaby Pool, Teesside White Water Course and Castlegate Quay Watersports are supported by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and managed by Tees Active. The venues welcome in excess of 1.7 million visits per annum.
For more details contact:
Allan McDermott
Sports Academy Manager
Tel: (01642) 528 772
Mob: 07795 390786
Fax: (01642) 528 541