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Developing a Community-Based Tailored Exercise Program for People With Severe and Persistent Mental Illness
- Progress in Community Health Partnerships: Research, Education, and Action
- Johns Hopkins University Press
- Volume 9, Issue 2, Summer 2015
- pp. 213-227
- 10.1353/cpr.2015.0045
- Article
- Additional Information
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Background: People with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) are at a greater risk of medical issues compared with the general population. Exercise has a positive effect on physical and mental health outcomes among this population in community settings.
Objectives: To describe community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods used to tailor an exercise program among people with SPMI, demonstrate its impact, and present lessons learned for future research.
Methods: The partnership developed a project to explore the feasibility of implementing a physical activity program at a community agency among clients with SPMI.
Lessons Learned: Data showed improved trends in mood, social support, and physical and mental health outcomes. Facilitators and barriers must be carefully considered for recruitment and retention.
Conclusions: A gender-specific, group-based, tailored exercise intervention developed through collaboration with a community agency serving people with SPMI using CBPR methods is feasible.