Projects -

Our Projects

Our Research and Outreach Projects

At the Welsh Institute of Physical Activity, Health and Sport (WIPAHS) we harness the transformative power of physical activity and sport to improve health and wellbeing across Wales. As a pan‑Wales research and evaluation network, we bring together world‑leading academics, practitioners, policy makers and communities to co‑design and deliver projects that address real‑world challenges in physical activity, health and sport.

Our case studies highlight how collaborative insight‑driven research can inform practice, shape policy and support the design and delivery of effective interventions. Each project demonstrates our commitment to co‑producing solutions, translating evidence into action, and building sustainable partnerships that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Explore the work below to see how WIPAHS projects are contributing to a healthier, more active Wales.

Inclusive Equipment

This project involved creating inclusive pickleball equipment for visually impaired players. Co-designed and tested with users, the audible ball enhances confidence, enjoyment, and social inclusion, promoting accessible sport while fostering collaboration between researchers, communities, and partner organisations.

Schools across Wales face growing pressure to deliver Health and Well-being outcomes with limited resources. Cymru Kids partners with schools to measure pupil health, provide actionable insights, and support meaningful change. Discover how collaborative research is helping schools improve physical activity.

WIPAHS examined how targeted sport and physical activity programmes can support young people’s engagement, confidence, and long‑term participation, generating insights to inform more inclusive, evidence‑based practice and strengthen activity opportunities across Wales.

Evaluation of the #ifyougoigo programme in Torfaen followed 37 women over 10-week weeks. Addressing confidence, judgement and readiness barriers, supportive group experiences helped participants “borrow confidence” and prioritise wellbeing. Qualitative insights showed improved mindset and engagement.

In collaboration with ScootFit, PhD student Cerys Cole is researching how hypermobility affects children’s physical activity, balance, coordination, fitness, and sport performance. The study includes a scooter-based intervention to assess hypermobility, promote activity, and support overall health in young people.

WIPAHS led the PA‑EPI Wales Project to systematically assess how physical activity policies are implemented across sectors. The work identifies strengths, gaps, and priority actions, providing evidence-based recommendations to inform policy, investment, and long-term public health strategies in Wales.

The ‘If You Go I Go’ programme supports women to become more physically active through group-based activities, peer support and tailored guidance. WIPAHS analysis found that by addressing barriers to participation and building confidence, the initiative promoted long-term behaviour change, encouraging women to stay active.

This study examined the impact of online training platforms on athletes during the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring whether increased access led to overtraining or injury. Surveying cyclists and triathletes across Wales, it found that while training behaviours changed, overtraining rates stayed within typical seasonal levels, though injuries were higher.

This project focuses on how physical activity is discussed and supported within paediatric healthcare across Wales. Drawing on workshops and surveys from healthcare professionals, it highlights both the value placed on helping children to “sit less and move more” and the practical challenges of doing so.

The Cymru Kids project tracks physical activity, mental health, and wellbeing among young people across Wales. Using accelerometers and surveys, the project identifies areas of need and inequality, helping inform policies and practices that support healthier, more active lives for children and young people. Please see full case study for.

Based on preliminary work exploring the ongoing development of WIPAHS, Dr Amie Richards has joined the HEPA/World Health Organization (WHO) Europe Early Career Researcher Development Programme. A set of Principles of Working have been generated for use by others to set-up their own institutes across Europe and beyond.

This project explores the potential of Nordic Walking as a way to support young people’s mental health and wellbeing. By combining a review of existing research with school-based taster sessions, the study examines both the benefits of the activity and how it is perceived by adolescents. Findings highlight significant benefits and challenges to engagement.

This project explores the lived experiences of individuals affected by COVID-19 and long COVID, focusing on the often-overlooked social and psychological impacts of illness and recovery. Using a creative storytelling approach, the research brings together shared experiences into powerful narratives that reflect different recovery journeys over time. .

This project reviews how physical activity is addressed in Welsh policies and how these actions align with national and international sustainability goals. The audit examined both national and subnational policies, revealing inconsistencies in coverage, clarity, and accountability. The findings provide guidance on strengthening policy connections.

Through the Actif North Wales partnership, this project assessed how regional investments are supporting physical activity and tackling health inequalities across North Wales. The study highlights how resources are allocated, how organisations align with strategic priorities, and where inconsistencies in reporting and data collection occur.

The BRIT Challenge engaged university students and staff in a UK-wide activity and fundraising initiative to promote mental health and wellbeing. In 2023, participants aimed to move 2,023 miles collectively, while raising awareness and funds. WIPAHS evaluated its implementation, providing insights to enhance engagement, support, and the positive impact of this challenge.

Focusing on families with pre-school children, this project explores the factors that shape parents’ engagement in community-based physical activity. Drawing on a systematic review of existing research, it highlights the role of beliefs, social influences, and access to affordable, suitable environments in supporting participation.

The AEBSD Programme explores how schools can serve as active education settings by providing opportunities for physical activity beyond regular school hours. The pilot program engaged 13 individual schools across Wales and one federation across Wales, each tailoring their approach to meet local needs.

Babi Actif helps parents stay active outdoors with their babies during the first 1,000 days, supporting both child development and maternal wellbeing. Parents reported positive impacts on health and bonding, while surveys and focus groups highlighted the value of accessible, outdoor activity. The programme offered unique support, especially during the pandemic

Exploring innovative approaches to crime prevention, this study highlights how partnership working with Police and Crime Commissioners can help to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in communities across Wales. Harnessing the power of physical activity can contribute to wider policing priorities around prevention and wellbeing.

Mid Wales faces inequalities in access to physical activity, for disabled people, girls, and those in deprived communities. Yet strong demand for sport highlights opportunity. This study explores an innovative, collaborative funding and evaluation approach designed to test inclusive solutions and generate learning on what works, for whom, and why.

WIPAHS supported the Black Swimming Association by providing research, insight and evaluation expertise, helping shape inclusive aquatic programmes, strengthen partnerships, and ensure initiatives are evidence-based, effective and responsive to the needs of underrepresented communities across Wales, driving long-term impact and meaningful community engagement.

WIPAHS supported the Black Swimming Association’s funding application by providing research insight, evidence gathering and strategic input, strengthening the case for investment, aligning proposals with policy priorities, and ensuring the application was robust, credible and clearly demonstrated impact, need and potential for inclusive aquatic engagement.