Related Experiment Videos
A walking program for outpatients in psychiatric rehabilitation: pilot study
Judith McDevitt1, JoEllen Wilbur, Joseph Kogan
1Department of Public Health, Mental Health, and Administrative Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Nursing, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. jmcdev1@uic.edu
Biological Research for Nursing
|November 4, 2005
Summary
A 12-week group walking program improved mood and psychosocial functioning in adults with serious and persistent mental illness. This intervention shows promise for rehabilitation programs, offering benefits beyond cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Sedentary adults with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) often face challenges in physical and mental health.
- Group-based exercise interventions may offer a feasible approach to improve health status and functioning in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess adherence to a 12-week group walking program for SPMI outpatients.
- To evaluate changes in health status (mental, physical, mood, psychosocial) and exercise motivation post-intervention.
Main Methods:
- Quasi-experimental pilot study involving 15 sedentary adult outpatients with SPMI.
- 12-week program: 3x/week, 1-hour moderate-intensity walks, individual exercise prescriptions, heart rate monitoring, and health workshops.
- Adherence and changes in health status and motivation were measured.
Main Results:
- 87% completion rate; 76% attendance at walking sessions.
- Participants walked at lower intensity than prescribed, with heart rate monitors indicating reduced target zone adherence over time.
- Significant improvements were observed in mood (p=.02) and psychosocial functioning (p=.02).
Conclusions:
- A group walking program appears feasible for SPMI rehabilitation.
- Regular walking offers potential benefits for mood and psychosocial functioning in adults with SPMI, complementing cardiovascular advantages.