Abstract
Background and objectives: The present study aims to investigate the effect of the 4-F (Fit, Fun, Feel and Food) group-based program on physical, clinical and biological outcomes in young patients suffering from serious psychiatric disorders.Methods: To prevent weight gain and improve mental and physical health in young patients, we investigated in a naturalistic design, the effect of a group-based intervention through an exploratory study.Results: We observed that out of the 61 outpatients initially included in the program, 71% were overweight or obese. The 24 patients who completed the full program showed no significant decrease in weight or body composition. Our main findings were the significant improvement in muscular endurance as well as coordination from T0 (M=13.65, SD=±1.93) compared to T1 (M=12.49, SD= ±1.81), (t(20) = 3.072 p = <0.05) and the increase in the general mental well-being of these patients from baseline to the end of the program. According to the type of psychopathology, (F(3,10) = 4.25, p < .05), we also noticed a slight modification in eating behaviour with a tendency to decrease in the TFEQ hunger’s level.Conclusion: Despite the limitations, the findings of this exploratory study demonstrated that this program is feasible and resulted in better physical conditions with enhanced mental well-being in young patients suffering from psychiatric disorders, sedentary behaviour and unhealthy lifestyles. Further research is warranted in controlled and larger population samples to further our understanding of the effect of such interventions.
The Effects of a Group-based Intervention through Physical Activities and Diet in Young Patients with Serious Psychiatric Disorders: An Exploratory Study
