The Liikkamelu project, begins now in spring 2026 and will produce for the first time research-based data on the noise exposure and stress of those working in sports halls.
Study Aims
This project will examine the noise exposure, stress and well-being of those working in sports halls, as well as the room acoustics of the premises.
Background to this research initiative
In Finland, thousands of teachers and coaches work daily in sports halls, where the noise level can easily rise to unacceptably high levels. High noise levels put a strain on hearing and the nervous system, making it difficult to recover at work and impairing human interaction.
This concern that has arisen in the field has now led to a new research initiative: Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and Turku University of Applied Sciences are launching the Movement Noise – Noise Exposure and Stress of Sports Hall Workers‑, which examines the noise exposure, stress and well-being of those working in sports halls, as well as the room acoustics of the premises.
Evidence is lacking
The project is based on the need presented by the Finnish Association of Teachers of Physical Education and Health Education (Liito ry) to obtain research-based information on teachers’ noise load. There is a perception in the field that many physical education teachers suffer from hearing loss. However, there is no evidence of the predisposing effect of the work environment. The Movement Noise project responds to this concern by measuring the conditions of those working in sports halls and by examining the experiences of these employees. The aim is to identify what kind of solutions support teaching and coaching, and where the acoustics, operating methods or work arrangements of the premises need to be changed.
Data to be collected through surveys and acoustic measurements
The project is led by Jenni Radun, Programme Director at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. The research group includes psychologist Sara Pitkänen, who works at the Acoustics Laboratory of Turku University of Applied Sciences, and acoustics experts Valtteri Hongisto and Jukka Keränen. Three main aspects will be explored:
- A survey will be carried out among physical education teachers and basketball coaches on the noise environment, strain and recovery.
- The room acoustic properties of the gyms will be measured so that the effects of different solutions can be compared with each other.
- The noise exposure and experiential load of those working in the measured gyms will be monitored.
This provides an overall picture that combines the measured objective data with the everyday sports teacher’s subjective reality.
The extensive entity collects material from three directions. First, a survey will be carried out among physical education teachers and basketball coaches on the noise environment, strain and recovery. Secondly, the room acoustic properties of the gyms are measured so that the effects of different solutions can be compared with each other. Thirdly, the noise exposure and experiential load of those working in the measured gyms will be monitored. This provides an overall picture that combines the measured data with everyday reality.
Concrete recommendations for school construction and noise management
The practical work of the project will begin during 2026 and the results will be ready in June 2028. The expectation is that Liikkamelu will produce concrete recommendations for school construction and acoustic solutions in halls. As well as present tools for noise management as part of the school’s everyday management and operating culture.
Sports halls are challenging workplaces
says Jenni Radun
Doctor of Psychology and Director of Research and Development Programme at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, who is leading the project.Expected study outcomes
- Project name: Movement noise – noise exposure, stress and well-being of those working in sports halls
- Project website: https://www.metropolia.fi/fi/tutkimus-kehitys-ja-innovaatiot/hankkeet/liikkamelu
- Objectives: To investigate the noise exposure of sports halls, room acoustic solutions and their connection to loading, and to produce practical recommendations for school construction and noise management
- Methods: Questionnaire for teachers and coaches, room acoustic measurements from gymnasiums, personal monitoring of exposure and strain
- Implemented by: Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and Turku University of Applied Sciences / Acoustics Laboratory
- Funding: Finnish Work Environment Fund (main funding), Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, SaintGobain Finland Oy / Ecophon, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Ltd and Turku University of Applied Sciences Ltd
- Schedule: Starts in 2026, results are expected in 2028
For more information contact Pauli Pallaskorpi, Education Environments Concept Developer in Finland or Colin Campbell, Education Environments Global Concept Developer.
Previous articles featuring work by Jenni Radu in educational environments:
