TY - JOUR

T1 - Physical Activity in Adults with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: A Large Cross-Sectional Survey Exploring Patterns, Preferences, Barriers, and Motivating Factors

AU - Tew, Garry A

AU - Bailey, Laura

AU - Beeken, Rebecca J

AU - Cooper, Cindy

AU - Copeland, Robert

AU - Brady, Samantha

AU - Heron, Paul Nicholas

AU - Hill, Andrew

AU - Lee, Ellen

AU - Spanakis, Panagiotis

AU - Stubbs, Brendon

AU - Traviss-Turner, Gemma D

AU - Walker, Lauren

AU - Walters, Stephen

AU - Gilbody, Simon

AU - Peckham, Emily Jane

N1 - © 2023 by the authors

PY - 2023/1/31

Y1 - 2023/1/31

N2 - Adults with severe mental ill health may have specific attitudes toward physical activity. To inform intervention development, we conducted a survey to assess the physical activity patterns, preferences, barriers, and motivations of adults with severe mental ill health living in the community. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics, and logistic regressions were used to explore relationships between physical activity status and participant characteristics. Five-hundred and twenty-nine participants (58% male, mean age 49.3 years) completed the survey. Large numbers were insufficiently active and excessively sedentary. Self-reported levels of physical activity below that recommended in national guidelines were associated with professional inactivity, consumption of fewer than five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, older age, and poor mental health. Participants indicated a preference for low-intensity activities and physical activity that they can do on their own, at their own time and pace, and close to home. The most commonly endorsed source of support was social support from family and friends. Common motivations included improving mental health, physical fitness, and energy levels. However, poor mental and physical health and being too tired were also common barriers. These findings can inform the development of physical activity interventions for this group of people.

AB - Adults with severe mental ill health may have specific attitudes toward physical activity. To inform intervention development, we conducted a survey to assess the physical activity patterns, preferences, barriers, and motivations of adults with severe mental ill health living in the community. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics, and logistic regressions were used to explore relationships between physical activity status and participant characteristics. Five-hundred and twenty-nine participants (58% male, mean age 49.3 years) completed the survey. Large numbers were insufficiently active and excessively sedentary. Self-reported levels of physical activity below that recommended in national guidelines were associated with professional inactivity, consumption of fewer than five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, older age, and poor mental health. Participants indicated a preference for low-intensity activities and physical activity that they can do on their own, at their own time and pace, and close to home. The most commonly endorsed source of support was social support from family and friends. Common motivations included improving mental health, physical fitness, and energy levels. However, poor mental and physical health and being too tired were also common barriers. These findings can inform the development of physical activity interventions for this group of people.

KW - Adult

KW - Bipolar Disorder/therapy

KW - Cross-Sectional Studies

KW - Exercise/psychology

KW - Female

KW - Humans

KW - Male

KW - Mental Health

KW - Middle Aged

KW - Schizophrenia

U2 - 10.3390/ijerph20032548

DO - 10.3390/ijerph20032548

M3 - Article

C2 - 36767931

VL - 20

JO - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

JF - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

SN - 1661-7827

IS - 3

M1 - 2548

ER -