Evaluating a pilot community-based FITMIND exercise programme for psychosis in Hong Kong

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Public Health
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Exercise interventions show promise for improving psychosis symptoms and cognition.
• Accessibility to gymnasium facilities limits the reach of traditional exercise programs for patients with psychosis.
• Community-based programs are needed to support exercise habit formation in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the FITMIND program, a 12-week community exercise intervention for patients with psychosis.
• To assess the program's impact on physical activity (PA) participation, quality of life, and mood symptoms.
• To determine the feasibility of a community-based exercise program for individuals with psychosis.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week community exercise program (FITMIND) involving aerobic exercise and yoga was implemented.
• Forty-nine patients with psychosis participated, recruited through an early psychosis program and project website.
• Outcomes included working memory, PA participation, quality of life, and mood symptoms.

Main Results:

• A significant improvement was observed in vigorous-intensity PA and moderate-to-vigorous PA.
• Participants showed increased compliance with international PA guidelines after the 12-week program.
• Mood symptoms significantly improved, with 14.3% meeting PA recommendations at baseline and higher adherence post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• The FITMIND program is a feasible community-based intervention for patients with psychosis.
• The program effectively enhances PA participation and improves mood in individuals with psychosis.
• Further research is warranted to explore the long-term benefits of this community-based exercise approach.