Leading research on physically active life
LIKES Research Centre for Physical Activity and Health focuses on physically active life. We conduct and publish research, provide expert information for decision-making, and coordinate development projects and large national action programmes.
Research is the key to understanding wellbeing
Our research and development projects offer scientific and practical information for promoting physical activity and health in society as well as everyday life.
We offer expertise in
- daily physical activity at all ages
- physically active culture in early education, schools, vocational and academic education, and workplaces
- improving wellbeing and learning capability with physical activity
- evaluation studies
- multidisciplinary networks.
Likes coordinates national programmes
Joy in Motion
Joy in Motion is a nationwide physical activity and well-being programme covering early childhood education and care. The goal is to encourage children to enjoy physical activity on a daily basis.
Schools on the Move
Finnish Schools on the Move is a national action programme promoting a physically active culture in Finnish schools. Schools and municipalities participating in the programme implement their own individual plans to increase physical activity during the school day.
Students on the Move
Students on the Move programme aims to increase physical activity and study ability among students in upper secondary and higher education.
Adults on the Move
Adults on the Move programme (former Fit for Life programme) promotes wellbeing and physical activity of working-aged people.
Schools on the Move has been a success story in Finland. We are ready to share the best practices, experiences and solutions internationally.
See Schools on the Move homepage for further information.
Contact information
Eino Havas
Director Director +358500605527 eino.havas@likes.fi
Tuija Tammelin
Research Director Research on physical activity and health +358400247998 tuija.tammelin@likes.fi
Joonas Niemi
Programme Coordinator Joy in Motion, Schools on the Move and Students on the Move programmes +358505052769 joonas.niemi@likes.fi
See what’s new
Girls are less physically active during the school day than boys; during leisure time, the differences diminish
A recently published follow-up study showed that changes in physical activity during the teen years are different between the sexes.
Time spent watching television does not replace physical activity for Finnish men – unlike for Finnish women
A large proportion of highly active men watch more television than their low-active peers do. In contrast, highly active women watch less television than low-active women do.