Summary: Lifestyle Intervention
Individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) are more likely to suffer from poor physical health which results in conditions such as diabetics and heart disease than people without mental illness. This is also due to the fact that people with SMI are also more likely to involve in more sedentary lifestyles. Studies show that physical activity in combination with a healthy diet can reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetics and heart disease, as well as other SMI symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
A physical activity intervention with moderate intensity activities such as brisk walking is highly recommended for an SMI group than more vigorous activities which may increase drop out and non adherence. The goal is that the …show more content…
The researchers conducted a lifestyle Intervention program with thirty-nine SMI and depression individuals from 3 mental health facilities for 18weeks. The goal of the intervention was to promote physical activity and health eating. Each session involved educational discussion about diet and exercise and overcoming barriers related to diet and making changes in activity. The members also participated in group walks for the last 20 minutes of session. All members were given a Yamax SW- 200 Digi-walker pedometer and instructed to wear them every day during the intervention period. They were also required to log in their daily step counts on a paper calendar with the use of the pedometer.
Inclusion criteria included: Individuals with serious mental illness, including but not limited to major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Individuals who were 18 years or older, who were sedentary (i.e., did not regularly get 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week), and who passed the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire35 or who obtained written medical clearance for participation in a walking program.
Overall, participants of the intervention enjoyed it and felt the exercise was just right. Participants who remained in the group lost more than 5 pounds, depression rates decreased and there was an improvement in mood. Individuals in the group organized their own walking group which continued to meet twice a week after the
A physical activity intervention with moderate intensity activities such as brisk walking is highly recommended for an SMI group than more vigorous activities which may increase drop out and non adherence. The goal is that the …show more content…
The researchers conducted a lifestyle Intervention program with thirty-nine SMI and depression individuals from 3 mental health facilities for 18weeks. The goal of the intervention was to promote physical activity and health eating. Each session involved educational discussion about diet and exercise and overcoming barriers related to diet and making changes in activity. The members also participated in group walks for the last 20 minutes of session. All members were given a Yamax SW- 200 Digi-walker pedometer and instructed to wear them every day during the intervention period. They were also required to log in their daily step counts on a paper calendar with the use of the pedometer.
Inclusion criteria included: Individuals with serious mental illness, including but not limited to major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Individuals who were 18 years or older, who were sedentary (i.e., did not regularly get 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week), and who passed the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire35 or who obtained written medical clearance for participation in a walking program.
Overall, participants of the intervention enjoyed it and felt the exercise was just right. Participants who remained in the group lost more than 5 pounds, depression rates decreased and there was an improvement in mood. Individuals in the group organized their own walking group which continued to meet twice a week after the