Research
ROOTS
The ROOTS study is looking at mental health problems in teenagers. It aims to investigate the relative roles that specific factors have on the overall risk for mental health problems during adolescence. It is being conducted by a research team from the Department of Developmental Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge, led by Professor Ian Goodyer.
ROOTS has recruited a large number (~1,300) of teenagers via Cambridgeshire schools. Volunteers are recruited into the study at age 14 and will be followed through the adolescent period until they reach 17/18.
During this study volunteers will be asked to complete a series of interviews and questionnaires about friendships, moods, physical activity, diet, events and thinking styles. They will also undergo physical activity tests to assess aerobic fitness and physical activity over four days.
The MRC Epidemiology Unit is responsible for collecting and analysing data on physical activity and diet. Physical activity is monitored using combined heart rate (HR) and movement sensing monitors. Cardiovascular fitness is measured using a step-test developed by the Unit.
More information can be found at the ROOTS Study website www.roots.group.cam.ac.uk.
