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Physical activity patterns in adults with severe mental illness
Gail L Daumit1, Richard W Goldberg, Christopher Anthony
1Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
|October 7, 2005
Summary
People with severe mental illness (SMI) are less physically active overall but meet recommended activity levels similarly to the general population. Walking was the primary activity for those with SMI.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Psychiatry
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Physical inactivity is a major health concern and a leading cause of death.
- Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) have higher rates of obesity and diabetes, suggesting potential benefits from physical activity.
- Limited research exists on physical activity prevalence and patterns within the SMI population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and types of physical activity among outpatients with schizophrenia and affective disorders.
- To compare physical activity patterns in people with SMI to a matched national sample of the general population.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted with outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia and affective disorders at two Maryland psychiatric centers.
- Physical activity data were compared to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (NHANES III) data.
- Participants were matched by age, gender, and race to the general population sample.
Main Results:
- Individuals with SMI exhibited lower overall physical activity levels compared to the general population.
- The proportion of individuals meeting recommended physical activity levels was similar between the SMI group and the general population.
- Walking was the most common form of physical activity reported by participants with SMI.
- Lack of regular social contact and being female were associated with higher odds of inactivity within the SMI group.
Conclusions:
- While overall activity is lower, people with SMI can achieve recommended physical activity levels, often through walking.
- Interventions targeting social engagement and women with SMI may be beneficial for increasing physical activity.
- Further research is needed to understand and promote physical activity in the SMI population.