As the world faces the risk of a mental health pandemic, sports brand Asics renews its commitment to move minds through sport, by launching a landmark research on positive impact of sports on mental wellbeing.

It will use cutting-edge biometric technology to capture the true impact of sport on the minds of thousands of participants around the world. Ahead of the full research project roll-out, an initial feasibility study has been conducted across a group of elite athletes – including British Olympic runner and European Triathlon Champion Beth Potter — as well as everyday athletes as a basis for comparison.

Overseen by Dr Brendon Stubbs, a leading exercise and mental health researcher based at King’s College, London, the study measured a series of brain pathways known to influence the emotional and cognitive elements of mental wellbeing. And it found that after a short amount of physical activity, the everyday athletes experienced an overall emotional uplift, including up to a 29% improvement in their ability to cope with stress and up to an 18% increase in their relaxation levels. They also reported a significant drop in negative emotions like frustration (up to 135%) and were up to 28% less prone to making rash decisions and reacting negatively to challenges or disruption. But the best part is that the emotional uplifts were greater among the everyday athletes than the elite ones, which is great news for us during these tough times.

From today, Asics is coming together with its athletes - including Henri Shoeman, Noëlle Roorda and Kiryu Yoshihide - to issue an open invitation to people around the world to join their mission to uplift the world. Using sunrise as a symbol of hope, they are encouraging people everywhere to kick start the month by moving at sunrise to spread positivity, and raise awareness and funds. For every #SunriseMind selfie they share Asics will make a donation to mental health charity Mind to fund research into mental health in sport and fund support services for people experiencing mental health problems.

Get involved, get up, get out and move at sunrise by going for a run, walk, or taking part in any sport or activity. Upload your #SunriseMind to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. @asicsme