Research News Last updated 03 October
Birmingham City University (BCU) is helping to lead the way in improving physical activity for people staying in mental health secure units in a ‘first-of-its-kind’ feasibility study.
BCU is working with Durham University and a number of NHS Trusts to create and deliver a physical activity programme in medium secure mental health units.
People with severe mental health illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression, are twice as likely to have cardiometabolic diseases and live 10-30 years less than the general population.
Dr Kiara Lewis, Professor of Sport and Exercise Sciences, at BCU is one of the lead authors of the studies.
“This was a real insight into how secure services are currently managed and to hear from staff and service users into what restrictions they face,” she said.
“We found there could be some simple changes, such as setting realistic goals and monitoring progress, which can successfully support and promote the importance of being physically active.”
Exercise included using the onsite gym, recreational activities such as gardenening or simply walking around the ward to reach the NHS recommended target of 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
"I am incredibly proud of this study,” said Professor Tammi Walker, Professor of Forensic Psychology at Durham University and the project’s lead. “It the first of its kind in the UK.
“It's a great achievement to successfully demonstrate that a physical activity program is not only needed but also completely feasible and acceptable for people with severe mental illness in secure settings.
“This work is a crucial step towards improving their physical and mental health."
It’s well documented that regular physical activity can boost moods and improve mental health, but people with depression are less likely to be active and two thirds don’t meet recommended physical activity levels.
But, a previous study within the same research group found there were a number of barriers for physical activity in mental health secure units.
For service users, this included poor motivation and medication side-effects, whilst staff commented on low staffing-levels and a lack of training.
“These studies showed that it is possible to remove barriers and increase activity levels in these wards by creating a culture that promotes the importance of being physically active,” added Professor Lewis.
“Participants reported being more active, feeling healthier, and better in themselves.”
Now a feasibility study has been successful, researchers are now aiming to replicate and develop their physical activity programme with a larger pool of service users.