Physical activity for aiding mental health recovery.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A whole systems approaches to integrating physical activity to aid mental health recovery.
IRAS ID
310781
Contact name
Katarzyna Karolina Machaczek
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Hallam University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Background
People with severe mental illness (SMI) experience some of the most profound health inequalities of any sector of society. Many have long-term physical health problems, which places them in a vulnerable group. Sedentary lifestyles and low levels of physical activity are independent but modifiable risk factors for premature death in those with SMI. Initial evidence suggests that regular physical activity aids recovery and can bring about sustainable lifestyle changes. There is growing acknowledgement of the value of a whole-systems approach to address complex problems, such as low physical-activity levels.Aim
The ultimate aim of our work is to establish a whole-systems response that will enable individuals with SMI to increase their levels of PA and that will increase the effectiveness of PA interventions that are currently offered to this group. The purpose of this qualitative research project is to:
1) identify factors that are linked to the continuance of PA in this clinical population, and which must be considered during design of whole systems approaches in order to ensure integration of PA to aid mental-health recovery; and,
2) to explore how barriers to sustained participation in PA that people with SMI face can be overcome through application of a whole-systems approach.Design and methods
Digitally recorded focus groups (6 x 5 participants in each; N = 30) with adult individuals who have experienced SMI. These will be used to elicit the participants’ experiences and perceptions regarding their sustenance of participation in PA. Specifically, the focus groups will be used to identify contexts and mechanisms that create and facilitate sustained participation in PA among individuals living with SMI.One-to-one, in-depth, semi-structured interviews will be offered to those who would like to participate in the study but who would not be comfortable discussing the topic in front of other people.
Data analysis
Framework analysis will be supported by the use of NVivo software.Outputs
A lay summary of findings; a peer-reviewed publication and the foundations for the future research.REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/PR/0151
Date of REC Opinion
28 Feb 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion