Justin J Chapman1,2,3,4, Emily Hielscher1, Sue Patterson5, Nicola Reavley6, Wendy J Brown4, Marianne Wyder2, Sarah Childs7, Anneliese Russell8, Shuichi Suetani2,9,10, James G Scott1,5,10. 1. QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Australia. 2. Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Service, Australia. 3. Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association, Australia. 4. School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Australia. 5. Metro North Mental Health Service, Australia. 6. University of Melbourne, Australia. 7. Queensland Alliance for Mental Health, Australia. 8. Richmond Fellowship Queensland, Australia. 9. School of Medicine, Griffith University, Australia. 10. School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: People with mental illness may be vulnerable to decline in mental health and reduced physical activity because of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions. The aim of this study was to inform the design of physical activity interventions for implementation under these conditions to improve/maintain well-being and physical activity in this population. METHODS: People with mental illness who had participated in a physical activity program prior to the pandemic were invited to complete a survey about the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and physical activity and their preferences for engaging in a physical activity program under pandemic-related restrictions. RESULTS: More than half the 59 respondents reported worse mental health and lower physical activity during the pandemic. The preferred format for a physical activity program was one-on-one exercise instruction in-person in a park. Program components endorsed as helpful included incentivization, provision of exercise equipment and fitness devices, and daily exercise programs. About a third of the participants reported limitations in using technology for a physical activity program. CONCLUSIONS: In-person exercise support is preferred by people with mental illnesses during pandemic-related restrictions. Enablement strategies such as providing equipment and self-monitoring devices should be utilized; assistance may be needed to incorporate the use of technology in exercise programs.
OBJECTIVES:People with mental illness may be vulnerable to decline in mental health and reduced physical activity because of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions. The aim of this study was to inform the design of physical activity interventions for implementation under these conditions to improve/maintain well-being and physical activity in this population. METHODS:People with mental illness who had participated in a physical activity program prior to the pandemic were invited to complete a survey about the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and physical activity and their preferences for engaging in a physical activity program under pandemic-related restrictions. RESULTS: More than half the 59 respondents reported worse mental health and lower physical activity during the pandemic. The preferred format for a physical activity program was one-on-one exercise instruction in-person in a park. Program components endorsed as helpful included incentivization, provision of exercise equipment and fitness devices, and daily exercise programs. About a third of the participants reported limitations in using technology for a physical activity program. CONCLUSIONS: In-person exercise support is preferred by people with mental illnesses during pandemic-related restrictions. Enablement strategies such as providing equipment and self-monitoring devices should be utilized; assistance may be needed to incorporate the use of technology in exercise programs.
Authors: Eszter Füzéki; Jan Schröder; Rüdiger Reer; David A Groneberg; Winfried Banzer Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-02-09 Impact factor: 3.390