In 1976, the baseline data of the LISE project, including objectively measured school fitness tests and self-reported LTPA was collected from 56 schools. A stratified random sample including 2 796 children and adolescents aged 9-21 years was drawn from different regions and from both urban and rural municipalities of Finland.
In 2001, the first follow-up was carried out. The postal questionnaire on self-reported leisure-time physical activity, physical fitness and health was sent to the participants taken part in the baseline measurement, at that moment aged 34–46 years. 2396 questionnaires was sent and 1 820 responses received. In addition, a small sub-sample (n=64) took part in objectively measured physical fitness tests and health measurement in Pajulahti training center.
In 2021, the second follow-up was carried out. In addition to self-reported leisure-time physical activity, physical fitness and health, the second follow-up postal questionnaire assessed participants' work ability with the validated Work Ability Index. The questionnaire was sent to 2286 participants, aged at that moment 54–66 years, of which 1042 responded. In addition to the survey, the participants were asked an informed consent to take part in the forthcoming measurements of the project.
In 2025, the LISE dataset was supplemented with purchased medicine and healthcare visit register data from Kela and THL (the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare). This research phase concerned the 890 participants who had provided their consent for register investigation in connection with the 2021 survey. Health data extracted from the registers covered cardiometabolic diseases and mental health disorders from 1976–2024. With this data addition, the total duration of the LISE project extended to 48 years.
