Kings College London Pole Fitness Research 2019
Despite the growth of pole dancing over the past few years there is still very little research into the benefits of this amazing, fun exercise. As polers we want to share our love of pole and educate the world about the physical and mental benefits of pole. So if you have a moment please take the time to fill out this survey:
The survey should take less than 20 minutes to complete. Data will be collected anonymously in an online survey though participants will have the option to add their email to enter into a lottery for 4 x 25 pound amazon vouchers. All data will be kept confidential on locked computers and shared only between the team of researchers (3 students and 1 supervisor).
The findings will be used for internal scientific reports (student's dissertation) and a poster presentation to classmates, and may be published in a scientific journal or presented at a conference.
The survey has been cleared by the ethics team at KCL and is being conducted by:
Aisha Tam: cheuk.tam@kcl.ac.uk
Colette Walker: colette.walker@kcl.ac.uk
Kate Overall: kate.overall@kcl.ac.uk
Dr James Findon: james.findon@kcl.ac.uk
The findings will be published on the Pole Dance Community website after the research has been completed. 
Colette Walker is a student at Kings College London (KCL), UK. Colette is an avid poler and she started her pole journey at Pole Fit, Dubai in 2016 before moving to London to study psychology at KCL in September fo the same year. Colette joined the KCL Pole Society and took on the role of vice president.
Colette said "Pole is what helped me recover from 2 years of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I'm hoping to combine my passion for pole with my degree in psychology and have research to support my anecdote that pole fitness can aid in mental health."
Colette competed in her first London Pole Varsity, winning the beginner category, in 2017 before competing again in 2018 and winning the intermediate category.
The other two students who set up the study don't do pole but are equally passionate in exploring the psychology behind aesthetic and non-aesthetic sports.
The survey need to be completed by 8th March 2019.
Colette was inspired by psychologists Nicholas et al 2018. Nicholas did interviews with female pole dancers on their motives for participation, and many said that their confidence from class extended outside the pole environment as well. It's exciting that in the last few years pole has become a topic of research!
The study does contain some probing questions and you can stop the survey at any point. If you do feel you need further help after completing the survey then these links may be helpful.
Emotional support:
Samaritans helpline: 116 123
SANEline: 0300 304 7000
Eating disorders:
B-eat (Beat Eating Disorders) helpline: 0808 801 0677
National Centre for Eating Disorders helpline: 0845 838 2040
SEED: 0148 271 8130
Student Mental Health:
https://www.nightline.ac.uk/want-to-talk/
Your university’s counselling service.