Developing a Community-Based Tailored Exercise Program for People With Severe and Persistent Mental Illness

Abstract

Background People with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) are at a greater risk of medical issues compared with the general population. Exercise has a positive effect on physical and mental health outcomes among this population in community settings. Objectives To describe community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods used to tailor an exercise program among people with SPMI, demonstrate its impact, and present lessons learned for future research. Methods The partnership developed a project to explore the feasibility of implementing a physical activity program at a community agency among clients with SPMI. Lessons Learned Data showed improved trends in mood, social support, and physical and mental health outcomes. Facilitators and barriers must be carefully considered for recruitment and retention. Conclusions A gender-specific, group-based, tailored exercise intervention developed through collaboration with a community agency serving people with SPMI using CBPR methods is feasible. Keywords: Community-based participatory research, severe and persistent mental illness, exercise, community partnership, sustainability

Understanding the experience of initiating community-based physical activity and social support by people with serious mental illness: a systematic review using a meta-ethnographic approach

“…Yet poor uptake of PA by this population remains a problem [ 7 , 8 ]. Poor recruitment to PA interventions is often reported [ 20 ], with patients citing numerous physical health, psychological and socio-ecological barriers to PA [ 11 – 13 ]. Non-uptake of PA by people with SMI does not necessarily reflect a lack of motivation or intention to be active; Ussher et al [ 12 ] found a high level of interest in PA among people with SMI, but low levels of activity.…”

Perspectives of a tailored lifestyle program for people with severe mental illness receiving housing support

“…It has been previously reported that interventions that include physical activity or education regarding healthy lifestyle are a cost‐efficient way to improve health among persons with SMI . However, many persons with SMI are affected by cognitive impairments, making it particularly difficult to be motivated for the implementation of healthy lifestyle habits .…”

“…It has been previously reported that interventions that include physical activity or education regarding healthy lifestyle are a costefficient way to improve health among persons with SMI. 23,[55][56][57] However, many persons with SMI are affected by cognitive impairments, making it particularly difficult to be motivated for the implementation of healthy lifestyle habits. 10 In contrast to many other lifestyle programs, the present intervention included education on strategies to counteract the possible problems of mental illness that may hinder lifestyle changes.…”

Adaptation and validation of a scale of self‐efficacy and social support for physical activity in Spanish patients with severe mental disorders

“…Studies have indicated that SS in the general population critically influences the participation of individuals in physical activity (Draper, Grobler, Micklesfield, & Norris, ; Mendonça & Farias Júnior, ; Zhang et al., ). Other studies have also indicated the importance of social interaction in promoting physical activity in those with SMDs (Gray et al., ; Hoffmann et al., ). SS can come from several different groups, such as family and friends, in various forms, for example, emotional and financial help.…”