Physical exercise for bipolar disorder: time for action

Abstract Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe, recurrent and chronic disorder associated with cognitive impairment, reduction in quality of life and substantially reduction in psychosocial functioning. It presents high rates of comorbidity with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Individuals with bipolar disorder need to focus their attention and treatment on mental and physical health. Physical exercise is often recommended in bipolar disorder, based on extrapolation from the major depressive disorder literature, theory and clinical expertise. However, studies tend to exclude individuals with BD or make no distinction between diagnostic groups, which leads to heterogeneity and difficulty in generalizing the results. The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of physical exercise as an intervention in bipolar disorder treatment. Method: The study populations must be humans, aged 18 years or older, with a clinical diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder (BD) according to a recognised widely-used diagnostic classification approach, confirmed with a structured interview. We will evaluate two main outcomes (mood symptoms improvement and functioning) and an additional outcome (prevention of relapse/recurrence). The search strategy will be based on the PICOS framework, using medical subject headings, on the following databases: MEDLINE (via Pubmed), EMBASE, CENTRAL, SPORTDiscus (via EBSCO), PsycINFO (via APA) and OpenGrey Repository. Selection and data collection process will be carried out by two authors, independently. Risk of bias and quality of evidence will be graded acording ROB-2 and GRADE. We will present a narrative and quantitative synthesis of the results from the included studies. Regarding quantitative data, we will extract means (M) and standard deviations (SD), when available, to calculate the standardised mean difference (SMD). Effects size will be calculated using SMD and 95% confidence interval and heterogeneity will be assessed. Subgroup analysis will be conducted to explore heterogeneity across studies depending on quality and quantity of the data extracted.Discussion: To date, there wasn't a systematic review with only randomized controlled trials on effects of physical activity on BD. Because of this, we will conduct this systematic review trying to estabilish the effects of exercise on mood, functionality and prevention of relapse.Registration: submitted

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Functionality and Neurocognition in Patients With Bipolar Disorder After a Physical-Exercise Program (FINEXT-BD Study): Protocol of a Randomized Interventionist Program

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2020.568455 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 ◽

Author(s):

Saínza García ◽

Ilargi Gorostegi-Anduaga ◽

Edurne García-Corres ◽

Sara Maldonado-Martín ◽

Karina S. MacDowell ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bipolar Disorder ◽

Physical Exercise ◽

Study Protocol ◽

Exercise Program

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Aerobic Physical Exercise as a Possible Treatment for Neurocognitive Dysfunction in Bipolar Disorder

Postgraduate Medicine ◽

10.3810/pgm.2010.11.2228 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 122 (6) ◽

pp. 107-116 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

Aaron Kucyi ◽

Mohammad T. Alsuwaidan ◽

Samantha S. Liauw ◽

Roger S. McIntyre

Keyword(s):

Bipolar Disorder ◽

Physical Exercise ◽

Neurocognitive Dysfunction

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Barriers and facilitators perceived by people with bipolar disorder for the practice of exercise: a qualitative study

Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy ◽

10.1590/2237-6089-2017-0069 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Caroline Silveira Pereira ◽

Carolina Stopinski Padoan ◽

Lucas França Garcia ◽

Lucas Patusco ◽

Pedro V. S. Magalhães

Keyword(s):

Bipolar Disorder ◽

Physical Exercise ◽

Perceived Barriers ◽

Barriers And Facilitators ◽

Physically Active ◽

People With Mental Illness ◽

Exercise Barriers ◽

Depth Interview ◽

Areas Of Interest ◽

Regular Physical Exercise

Abstract Introduction Exercising regularly has benefits for people with bipolar disorder. Nevertheless, as a group, these patients tend to be less physically active than the general population and little is known from the viewpoint of the patients about the barriers and facilitators to such a practice. Objective To know the barriers and facilitators perceived by people with bipolar disorder for the practice of exercise. Methods This study had a descriptive, qualitative, exploratory nature. The investigation method used for data collection was a semi-structured in-depth interview, using grounded theory as theoretical framework. Results The data analysis generated two main areas of interest: adherence to regular physical exercise (barriers and facilitators) and the participants’ exercise history and perception of disease management, as described below. The main findings were: most of our sample did not exercise regularly, nor knew how exercise can positively influence their disorder; with regard to adherence to physical exercise, the presence of symptoms and stigma were the most important barriers to the practice of physical exercise. Social support, especially from family and friends, could be a facilitator to the practice of exercise. Conclusions Even considering the limitations for generalization of qualitative and exploratory studies, understanding perceived barriers and facilitators for the practice of exercise among people who suffer with bipolar disorder may contribute to the promotion of activities in which people with mental illness can participate.

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