To evaluate partnership working in the local community to increase levels of physical activity of adults with an SMI, a 12 week programme was co-produced and delivered with the objectives
-to educate individuals with SMI by providing up-to-date knowledge about a healthy lifestyle
-to promote long term self-management of SMI by encouraging a sustained increase in daily physical activity
-to develop peer-led support networks to support individual goals, to motivate adherence to these goals and to celebrate success
A group programme of education (healthy eating, physical activity, goal setting, dental health, sleep and relaxation), physical activity (moderate to vigorous intensity exercise led by Health & Fitness consultant at the local leisure facility) and peer discussion/reflection, was supported by a Mental Health Physiotherapist. Sessions were two hours in duration and participants were invited to attend twice per week and paid £3 per session. Baseline measurements included: blood pressure, resting heart rate, height, weight, BMI, 1 minute sit to stand test(STS), BORG 6-20 rate of perceived exertion scale(RPE), 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and the PROMiS Global 10 questionnaire. Each participant was also provided with an activity tracker and a personal 'My Life' journal.
Eight adults (4 male, 4 female) with a mean age 40(range 25-50) commenced the programme. 6 out of 8 (75%) completed the 12 week programme. 5 out of 8 (62.5%) completed 17 out of 20 (85%) sessions. There was improvement in muscular endurance and cardio-respiratory endurance, a mean increase of 9(range 2-16) repetitions in the 1-minute STS test and a mean increase of 186(range 50-340) metres walked in the 6MWT. Mean improvement in RPE was +4(range 1-6) in the 6MWT. There was minimal change in weight and BMI. Participants feedback was positive “feeling safe”, “trust”, “more confidence” to exercise under supervision and enjoyed “being pushed”. Participants also experienced “a camaraderie which helped to motivate myself and others in the group.”
The "My Life" group programme introduced adults with SMI to supervised moderate-vigorous physical activity in a local leisure facility and improved elements of their physical fitness and mental health.
Due to the success of the programme and feedback from participants, there is a peer-supported “step-down” period offered to graduates of the programme to support each other towards independent exercise and maintain social integration. Assessments have been completed at 6, 12 and 24 months and are planned to be completed at 36 months to determine the long-term effectiveness of the programme.
connectedness
physical activity
