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APSP Directs $30,000 of NSPF Grant Budget for Research on Long-Term Health Data of Swimmers

APSP has directed that a National Swimming Pool Foundation grant of $30,000 be awarded to fund research by Dr. Stephen N. Blair, P.E.D., University of South Carolina, to compare the long-term health data of swimmers to other populations. Data is to be analyzed from more than 75,000 individuals and compiled by the Cooper Institute. “This study is very exciting, since it focuses on how using pools impacts people’s health,” said Bill Weber, APSP President and CEO.

The data is a result of comprehensive, preventative medical examinations conducted from 1970 through 2006 and includes extensive clinical measurements like blood chemistry, EKGs, blood pressure, body composition and fat distribution, treadmill test results, cardio-respiratory fitness, and more. The database also includes self-reported assessment behaviors and family and personal health histories.

The Cooper Institute was founded in 1970. Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D., M.P.H., believed it was as important to try to prevent disease as it was to treat and cure disease. The institute, which is headquartered in Dallas, has a scientific advisory board and functions as a nonprofit, tax-exempt public corporation.

APSP's decision to award the grant is pursuant to its agreement with the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF), which gives APSP the discretion to direct $30,000 of the NSPF grant budget.  The entire grant request from Dr. Blair and the University of South Carolina was for $90,417. NSPF has agreed to fund the entire grant request.