Consensus statement on the role of Accredited Exercise Physiologists within the treatment of mental disorders: a guide for mental health professionals

People with serious mental illness (SMI) experience a premature mortality gap of between 10 and 20 years. Interest is growing in the potential for peer support interventions (PSI) to improve the physical health of people with SMI. We conducted a systematic review investigating if PSI can improve the physical health, lifestyle factors, and physical health appointment attendance among people with SMI. A systematic search of major electronic databases was conducted from inception until February 2016 for any article investigating PSI seeking to improve physical health, lifestyle, or physical health appointment attendance. From 1347 initial hits, seven articles were eligible, including three pilot randomized, control trials (interventions: n = 85, controls: n = 81), and four pretest and post-test studies (n = 54). There was considerable heterogeneity in the type of PSI, and the role of the peer support workers (PSW) varied considerably. Three studies found that PSI resulted in insignificant reductions in weight. Evidence from three studies considering the impact of PSI on lifestyle changes was equivocal, with only one study demonstrating that PSI improved self-report physical activity and diet. Evidence regarding physical health appointment attendance was also unclear across four studies. In conclusion, there is inconsistent evidence to support the use of PSW to improve the physical health and promote lifestyle change among people with SMI. The small sample sizes, heterogeneity of interventions, outcome measures, and lack of clarity about the unique contribution of PSW means no definitive conclusions can be made about the benefits of PSW and physical health in SMI.

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“…) or physiotherapists/exercise physiologists regarding physical activity and exercise (Lederman et al . ; Stubbs et al . ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…(Continued) regarding physical activity and exercise (Lederman et al 2016;Stubbs et al 2015). Moreover, peer support workers should be supported to ensure they have assistance to deal with any tension with other service users and overcome cultural impediments and poor organizational arrangements/policies (Vandewalle et al 2016).…”

Section: None Reportedmentioning

confidence: 99%

Peer support interventions seeking to improve physical health and lifestyle behaviours among people with serious mental illness: A systematic review

Stubbs

Williams

Shannon

et al. 2016

Int J Mental Health Nurs

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“…However, there is emerging evidence to support the key role of exercise practitioners, such as accredited exercise physiologists, in leading interventions for people experiencing mental health problems that are holistic in their approach and enhance both physical and mental health outcomes (Stubbs, Vancampfort, et al, ; Vancampfort et al, ). In Australia, this has resulted in a consensus statement endorsing this practitioner group in the treatment of mental health problems (Lederman et al, ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although the importance of building links between the mental health sector, consumers, and exercise practitioners is dis- there is emerging evidence to support the key role of exercise practitioners, such as accredited exercise physiologists, in leading interventions for people experiencing mental health problems that are holistic in their approach and enhance both physical and mental health outcomes Vancampfort et al, 2016). In Australia, this has resulted in a consensus statement endorsing this practitioner group in the treatment of mental health problems (Lederman et al, 2016). Strategies are required to enhance relationships between the exercise industry and its practitioners, and with consumers and staff in the mental health and primary care sectors to facilitate increased consumer engagement in a range of community-based exercise options.…”

Section: Flexible Person-centred Holistic Individualised Service Promentioning

confidence: 99%

Codesigned recommendations for increasing engagement in structured physical activity for people with serious mental health problems in Australia

Wheeler

Roennfeldt

Slattery

et al. 2018

Health Soc Care Community

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People with mental health problems are at higher risk of physical health comorbidities and early mortality. A key risk factor for poor health outcomes is a lack of regular physical activity. Mental health services have typically responded by focusing on screening and promoting lifestyle programmes within secondary care mental health settings. The aim of this study was to better understand the barriers and enablers for Australian mental health consumers to participate in physical activity or exercise programmes from the perspectives of consumers and exercise practitioners. Interviews with 15 consumers experiencing serious mental health problems and five exercise practitioners were undertaken, followed by two focus groups (involving eight consumers and two exercise practitioners) to gain consensus on themes from the interviews, and codesign a set of recommendations for services to support and increase the engagement of mental health consumers in regular community-based exercise. Barriers that impacted on engagement in physical activity included: lack of social support, insufficient knowledge and information, difficulties with work/life balance, impact of physical and mental health issues, fear and lack of confidence, and financial cost. Enablers or motivators assisting engagement in community-based physical activity programmes included: social support, access to person-centred individualised exercise options, connection and a sense of belonging, and access to information and education. Recommendations and a checklist were developed to assist services to increase the involvement of mental health consumers in community-based exercise and to ensure that exercise practitioners and their employing organisations are adequately equipped to work with this population.

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“…From a pragmatic perspective, clinical psychologists may combine this scheduling with positive data logs [105] and gratitude or savoring techniques [106–110] to increase compliance. Furthermore, programs delivered by professionals such as physiotherapists and exercise physiologists with tertiary training in exercise prescription are associated with reduced dropout and increased motivation to exercise among people with an affective disorder [111], highlighting the importance of multidisciplinary mental health teams to ensure the translation of findings into real world, scalable programs [112–114]. …”

Section: Implications For Treatmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Roles of Exercise and Yoga in Ameliorating Depression as a Risk Factor for Cognitive Decline

Mathersul

Rosenbaum

2016

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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Currently, there are no effective pharmaceutical treatments to reduce cognitive decline or prevent dementia. At the same time, the global population is aging, and rates of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are on the rise. As such, there is an increasing interest in complementary and alternative interventions to treat or reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Depression is one potentially modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. Notably, exercise and yoga are two interventions known to both reduce symptoms of depression and improve cognitive function. The current review discusses the efficacy of exercise and yoga to ameliorate depression and thereby reduce the risk of cognitive decline and potentially prevent dementia. Potential mechanisms of change, treatment implications, and future directions are discussed.

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Consensus statement on the role of Accredited Exercise Physiologists within the treatment of mental disorders: a guide for mental health professionals

Abstract: AEPs can play a key role in the treatment of individuals experiencing mental illness. The diversity of AEP interventions allows for a holistic approach to care, enhancing both physical and mental health outcomes.

Cited by 57 publications

References 28 publications

Peer support interventions seeking to improve physical health and lifestyle behaviours among people with serious mental illness: A systematic review

Peer support interventions seeking to improve physical health and lifestyle behaviours among people with serious mental illness: A systematic review

Codesigned recommendations for increasing engagement in structured physical activity for people with serious mental health problems in Australia

The Roles of Exercise and Yoga in Ameliorating Depression as a Risk Factor for Cognitive Decline

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