Understanding the experience of initiating community-based group physical activity by people with serious mental illness: A systematic review using a meta-ethnographic approach

Oral Presentation B14.6

Authors

  • Helen Quirk University of Sheffield
  • Emma Hock University of Sheffield
  • Deborah Harrop Sheffield Hallam University
  • Helen Crank Sheffield Hallam University
  • Emily Peckham University of York
  • Gemma Traviss-Turner University of Leeds
  • Katarzyna Machaczek Sheffield Hallam University
  • Brendon Stubbs King's College London
  • Michelle Horspool Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust
  • Scott Weich University of Sheffield
  • Robert J. Copeland Sheffield Hallam University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.588

Keywords:

Adults, Physical Activity, Serious Mental Health, Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Regular physical activity (PA) may bring symptomatic improvements and enhance wellbeing among people living with serious mental illness (SMI), especially when undertaken in community-based group settings. Initiating PA can be difficult for people with SMI and so PA engagement is commonly low. Purpose: To use a meta-ethnography approach to review qualitative studies exploring the experience of PA initiation in community, group settings among adults with SMI. Methods: Eligible studies used qualitative methodology; involved adults (≥18 years) with schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, major depressive disorder, or psychosis; reported community-based group PA; and captured the experience of PA initiation. Study selection and quality assessment were performed by four reviewers. Results: Sixteen qualitative studies were included for review. We identified a ‘journey' of PA initiation, including thought processes, expectations, barriers and support needs. Support from a trusted source was particularly important for getting people to the activity, both physically and emotionally. Conclusions: The journey illustrated that initiation of PA for people with SMI is a long complex transition. This complex process needs to be understood before ongoing participation in PA can be addressed. We provide recommendations for the design and delivery of supportive PA programmes for people with SMI. Funding: This review was funded by Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Quirk, H., Hock, E., Harrop, D., Crank, H., Peckham, E., Traviss-Turner, G., Machaczek, K., Stubbs, B., Horspool, M., Weich, S., & Copeland, R. (2021). Understanding the experience of initiating community-based group physical activity by people with serious mental illness: A systematic review using a meta-ethnographic approach: Oral Presentation B14.6. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.588