Mind and Loughborough University – supported by sports brand ASICS – revealed the Trauma‑Informed Physical Activity (TIPA) research report today (24/3) at a public lecture hosted at Loughborough University and the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM).
The project looks at how exercise and movement can help people who have experienced distressing events such as bullying, abuse, illness or loss feel safer, more confident and connected to others.
At the heart of the concept is the idea of using exercise in a gentle and supportive way, instead of pushing people too hard.
More than 200 people joined online and in person to hear the findings, connect with the research team and explore how trauma‑informed practice could shape the future of physical activity programmes.
The Trauma-informed physical activity report brought together pioneering research carried out by Loughborough University’s School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, supported by Mind and ASICS. The project used a Realist evaluation approach to understand what worked, for whom, and in what circumstances when physical activity was delivered in a trauma‑informed way.
The report and summary highlighted three core mechanisms essential to trauma‑informed physical activity:
- Predictability built safety — Regular timings, familiar staff and consistent routines helped reduce anxiety and make attending feel more manageable
- Choice restored control — Participants benefitted from being able to set their own pace, opt in or out, and take part in ways that felt right for them
- Connection acted as the catalyst — Supportive relationships and peer connection helped reduce isolation, maintain motivation and strengthen belonging
These insights aligned with emerging evidence showing how trauma‑informed movement helped people rebuild structure, autonomy and social connection.
The TIPA research has already gained international attention. In 2025, Dr Akusile Makawa won the People’s Choice Award for Rapid Communication at the Global Alliance for Mental Health and Sport (GAMeS) conference, recognising the global relevance and impact of his work on trauma‑informed physical activity.
This international recognition highlighted the growing appetite across the mental health and sport sectors for evidence‑based, trauma‑informed approaches to movement and community engagement which prioritise the wellbeing and recovery of those most affected by trauma.
Dr Akusile Makawa, a Research Associate at Loughborough University said: “Our findings show that physical activity can support recovery when programmes prioritise safety, predictability and autonomy.
“For people affected by trauma, these conditions make participation feel manageable and create a strong sense of belonging. Adopting trauma-informed approaches into physical activity provides us with a great opportunity to make sure that everyone - no matter who they are or what they’ve been through - can access physical activity and the benefits associated with it.
“I’m excited to see what real-world impact the research has. It’s been an amazing experience putting it all together and working with some real trailblazers in this space, both nationally and internationally.
“So, the next steps - applying the research into practice and learning from how that unfolds - is something that I’m really looking forward to.”
Dr Florence Kinnafick, Reader in Physical Activity and Mental Health, also from Loughborough, said: “This work highlights the critical role that the sport and physical activity sector can play in supporting individuals who have experienced trauma, and how best to implement programmes that are trauma-informed.
“Our long-standing collaboration with Mind, including this work, has enabled the development of robust, evidence-based recommendations that are both theoretically informed and grounded in lived experience, with the exciting potential to transform practice across the sector.”
Hayley Jarvis, Head of Physical Activity at Mind, said: “Trauma affects so many of us - around 1 in 3 adults report a major traumatic event before the age of 18, often long before we have the words to describe it.
“And it doesn’t just shape how we feel, it can show up in our sleep, our relationships, our confidence and even in our bodies. Trauma‑informed physical activity is about more than helping people get moving. It’s about creating spaces where people feel safe, supported and in control again.
This research gives us powerful insight into how movement, choice and connection can help people rebuild confidence and wellbeing.
“We’re looking forward to working with the sport and physical activity sector to bring these findings into everyday practice, including through our partnerships with governing bodies and CIMSPA (Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) so that more people can access support in ways that feel right for them.”
The launch marked another milestone in Mind and Loughborough University’s long‑standing collaboration.
Previous research from Loughborough has helped shape Mind’s physical activity programmes and broaden understanding of how supportive, inclusive environments enable people with mental health problems to build confidence and stay active.
Readers can download the report at www.mind.org.uk
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