Bicycle Network: Monitor & Evaluate
Health and cycling research
Many studies suggest strong links between exercise and both physical and mental health.
The PDF link (right) provides a summary research in the health benefits of cycling. Also below are links to other studies and research-based websites.
Better Health Channel
Established by the Victorian State Government, the Better Health Channel provides wide-ranging information on getting and staying healthy.
Exercise and depression – beyondblue
Fast facts:
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Depression affects one in five Australians
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It’s both treatable and preventable
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Physical activity can be highly beneficial in preventing and managing depression and anxiety.
For information on exercise and depression, visit www.beyondblue.org.au.
Children's Leisure Activity Study
2004. Deakin University is undertaking a study on physical activity and sedatary behaviour of children. Preliminary findings suggest that physical activity is important for the health and social development of children, and that activity outside of organised sport such as walking or riding to school is an important factor.
Fat kids become fat adults
"Kids just aren’t moving as much as is healthy for their bodies," says Rick Kausman of the Australian Medical Association of Victoria. An Adelaide Nutrition Study found that 6-year-olds who are overweight are highly likely to be overweight or obese as adults. The study assessed height and body mass in 259 children born between November 1975 and June 1976. Those overweight over the age of eight were 75-86 per cent likely to be overweight at 20. That’s why it’s important to develop good eating and exercise habits in children from a young age.