Implementing evidence-based physical activity interventions for people with mental illness: an Australian perspective

Background: People with mental illness are at an increased risk for developing cardio-metabolic disorders. Routine screening following pharmacotherapy is however unacceptably low in sub-Saharan African countries with less than 1% adequately screened. It is unknown whether this is due to a lack of adequate competences.Objectives: The aim of this pilot study was to assess the barriers, attitudes, confidence, and knowledge of nurses regarding metabolic health, prevention and treatment in Uganda.Methods: Twenty-eight nurses (39% female, 30.9±6.9 years) completed the Metabolic – Barriers, Confidence, Attitudes and Knowledge Questionnaire and the physical activity prescription rate item of the Exercise in Mental Illness Questionnaire.Results: More than 75% had a positive attitude towards metabolic screening and intervention and more than 50% were confident in providing smoking cessation advice, and physical activity and nutritional counseling. However, 57% stated that their heavy workload prevented them from doing health screening and promotion activities. There was a negative correlation (ρ=-0.54, P=0.003) between the frequency of physical activity prescription and the perception of the inability of patients to change.Conclusion: The present findings suggest that nurses are generally supportive of metabolic health screening and intervention but their high workload prevents them from implementing metabolic health interventions.Keywords: Exercise, diet, metabolic syndrome, screening, smoking.

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Incorporating Exercise Professionals in Mental Health Settings: An Australian Perspective

Journal of Clinical Exercise Physiology ◽

10.31189/2165-6193-8.1.21 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 21-25 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Hamish Fibbins ◽

Oscar Lederman ◽

Rachel Morell ◽

Bonnie Furzer ◽

Kemi Wright ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Premature Mortality ◽

Health Organizations ◽

Physical Activity Interventions ◽

Mental Health Settings

ABSTRACT Low rates of physical activity, in addition to other poor physical health behaviors, contribute to lower quality of life and increased rates of premature mortality for people living with mental illness. Physical activity reduces this mortality gap while simultaneously improving mood, cognitive function, and symptomology for a variety of psychiatric disorders. While physical activity programs are feasible and acceptable in this population, significant barriers exist that limit long-term adherence. Accredited exercise physiologists (AEPs) are best-placed in Australia to lead physical activity interventions for people living with mental illness. Additionally, AEPs provide an important role in improving culture change within mental health settings by influencing clinicians' attitudes to physical activity interventions. Leading international mental health organizations should collaborate and promote the role of physical activity to increase the provision of such services to people living with mental illness.

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Experiences with Participation in a Supervised Group-Based Outdoor Cycling Programme for People with Mental Illness: A Focus Group Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16040528 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (4) ◽

pp. 528 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Helle Schnor ◽

Stina Linderoth ◽

Julie Midtgaard

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Mental Illness ◽

Mental Healthcare ◽

Healthcare Services ◽

Focus Group Study ◽

Group Discussions ◽

Equal Status ◽

Personal Mastery ◽

Sensory Experiences ◽

People With Mental Illness

Epidemiological evidence suggests that physical exercise, notably popular sports, is associated with reduced, mental health burden. This study explored participation in a supervised, group-based, outdoor cycling programme (10 × 10 km rides over a five-month period) for people with mental illness. We conducted two rounds of three audio-taped focus groups with people with mental illness (n = 25, mean age = 40 years) that focused on previous physical activity and motivation for enrolment (baseline), and on programme evaluation, including subjective wellbeing (after 10 weeks). Transcribed verbatim, the group discussions were analysed using systematic text condensation, which identified 12 categories and four themes: 1) Reinvigoration, (2) motivation through equal status, (3) group commitment without focus on illness, and (4) the value of cycling. Of particular interest was the potential for outdoor cycling to support unique non-stigmatising therapeutic relationships in a non-patient environment, outdoor sensory experiences, e.g., fresh air, wind, and rain, and feelings of personal mastery, equal status, solidarity, community, and healing. This study indicated that outdoor cycling performed in groups supervised by healthcare staff may support exercise self-efficacy and empower people with mental illness, potentially promoting long-term physical activity and participation. Future interventional studies examining the effectiveness of outdoor cycling complementary to conventional community mental healthcare services are warranted.

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