Stepathlon to Conduct Landmark Mental Health Study

MUMBAI, August 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Stepathlon Lifestyle Pvt Ltd, the leading global wellness company in association with internationally renowned epidemiologist, Professor Maximilian de Courten, will conduct a mental health survey on corporate employees across India and the globe. The survey will measure and evaluate the impact of physical exercise on three major aspects of mental health: Stress, Anxiety and Depression.

This study comes at an opportune time as psychological welfare appears to be a growing area of concern in the workplace. According to an ASSOCHAM India study conducted this year, nearly 42.5% employees in the private sector suffer from general anxiety disorders. The rate of emotional problems such as stress and depression has increased by 45-50% in just the last eight years.

A recent study found that one out of every five people in India suffers from some form of mental disorder, which prevents the individual from functioning optimally and contributing to his/her community. Further, it is estimated that mental health-related costs will contribute to economic losses to the tune of $6.2 trillion between 2012 and 2030.

Stepathlon has been working towards improving employee health and wellbeing through the 100 Day Race, a mass participation corporate event that encourages employees to walk 10,000 steps a day. The reported impact of this increased activity on participant (employee) wellbeing, and on workplace productivity, has been tremendous over the last three years. And now, there is a growing body of research which examines the exercise-depression relationship and supports the efficacy of exercise as an adjunct treatment for mental disorders.

This year Stepathlon will be conducting a scientific mental health study before and after the 100 day event, enabling an assessment of any changes that occur on its participants.

Stepathlon's ground-breaking study will give organisations not only the baseline data that they need to get a snapshot of the current mental health in their workplace, but also information on how increasing physical activity and walking 10,000 steps can improve it. Companies can use this data to further invest in the health of their employees in order to reap benefits that go beyond financial ones such as, improved commitment by employees, reduced labour turnover, improved quality of goods and services as well as innovation at the workplace.

The study uses a combination of the DAS 21 and the Wellbeing Scale, and aims to measure and evaluate what contributes to poor or sound mental health, ranging from the amount of physical activity, fruit & vegetable consumption, to hydration and even the benefits of being more active with colleagues or family.

Commenting on this, Mr. Ravi Krishnan, CEO, Stepathlon Lifestyle Pvt Ltd, said, "We at Stepathlon have been working to create an ecosystem that promotes wellness amongst corporates. We are taking this initiative a step further, by enabling our participating companies to understand where their employees stand when it comes to their mental wellbeing. With this survey, companies will be able to understand the stress levels of its employees, thus giving them an opportunity to address this very real issue."

Stepathlon's Chief Wellness Officer, Shane Bilsborough, says, "I am extremely excited and committed to being part of a solution to this often neglected and misunderstood space of mental health management. While we understand the enormity and impact of heart disease and cancer, recent data shows that the impact of poor mental health is twice as large and has many more consequences. It is in this light that we at Stepathlon will be a contributor to this space across the globe, as we work for and with organisations to understand, track and change its impact positively."

Dr. Maximillian de Courten, who brings with him the specific technical knowledge says, "My team and I are extremely excited about working with Stepathlon to understand the root causes of this insidious disease, and working on ways to contribute positively to this much needed task."

In addition to this special initiative, Stepathlon conducts an annual survey to study the impact of walking 10,000 steps on participants in association with IMRB One. The worldwide survey in 2014 reported a significant rise in energy and fitness levels, reduction in stress and body weight, and improved quality of sleep among participants. It found that 38% of Stepathletes reported sleeping better, 42% felt more energetic, and 21% of smokers quit smoking. 79% felt there was better communication within the organisation.

About Stepathlon: 

Stepathlon is a 100 Day Race around a 'virtual world' which helps employees from organisations of all sizes, across all industries and countries lead healthier, happier and more productive lives. A global, pedometer-based, mass participation format, it motivates the 'everyday athlete' to take 10,000 steps a day, as recommended by global health authorities. Our aim is to break the cycle of sedentary behaviour, turning the sedentary to active and the active to more active.

Stepathlon was established in 2012, with the vision of providing a holistic health and wellness ecosystem for corporate India. Over the last three years, Stepathlon has evolved towards fulfilling this vision. What started out as a 100 Day Race in 2013, became a 12-month program in 2014 consisting of nine scientifically tailored 'Stepping Stones'. These have been designed to help individuals reach their health goals in a simple, fun and engaging manner. Last year, Stepathlon witnessed participation from 60,250 participants (Stepathletes) from 275 companies across 635 locations and 34 countries.

In 2015, we are taking it a step further by launching the new Stepathlon Wellness Platform. While the 100 Day Race remains exclusively for Stepathletes, we are extending our offering to health and fitness enthusiasts. Users will have access to a host of motivating and engaging apps and tools; 'play' focused nutrition and fitness programs, expert resources, contests and challenges, and much more.

For more information, visit: www.stepathlon.com

Media Contact:
Rohini Sequeira
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