Effects of physical activity or exercise on the well-being of young patients aged 18 to 35 years old with moderate to severe psychiatric disorders

Young patients with moderate to severe psychiatric disorders often have a reduced quality of life and well-being linked to factors such as an unhealthy lifestyle, lack of exercise, and individual vulnerability related to their disorder and treatment (Vancampfort et al., 2017; Thompson et al., 2020). This study aimed to investigate whether participating in an 8-week group-based physical activity and exercise training program affected the positive well-being of patients with moderate to severe mental disorders. Additionally, the goal was to investigate whether there was an interaction between the participants' age and their well-being scores. The physical activity and exercise occurred during a program called 4F (Fit, Fun, Food, Feel), which has been validated in other studies. In the current study, we analysed the well-being scores of 15 patients (53.33% men, 46.67% women) with moderate to severe psychiatric disorders aged between 18 and 35 years old (M=27.28, SD= 5.59). We looked at...Show moreYoung patients with moderate to severe psychiatric disorders often have a reduced quality of life and well-being linked to factors such as an unhealthy lifestyle, lack of exercise, and individual vulnerability related to their disorder and treatment (Vancampfort et al., 2017; Thompson et al., 2020). This study aimed to investigate whether participating in an 8-week group-based physical activity and exercise training program affected the positive well-being of patients with moderate to severe mental disorders. Additionally, the goal was to investigate whether there was an interaction between the participants' age and their well-being scores. The physical activity and exercise occurred during a program called 4F (Fit, Fun, Food, Feel), which has been validated in other studies. In the current study, we analysed the well-being scores of 15 patients (53.33% men, 46.67% women) with moderate to severe psychiatric disorders aged between 18 and 35 years old (M=27.28, SD= 5.59). We looked at their well-being scores before (T0) starting the program and after 8 weeks (T1) and examined the interaction effect between age and well-being scores using a Generalized Linear Model. The results showed no difference between the well-being scores at T0 and T1 and no interaction effect with the patient’s age. This study had limitations such as a limited sample and no control group. The results weren’t significant, meaning that more research needs to be done before this intervention can be implemented as an adjuvant treatment. For future research, it would be interesting to investigate other types or durations of the PA and exercise and understand how the different components of the 4F program might influence the patient’s well-being.Show less

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Effects of physical activity or exercise on the well-being of young patients aged 18 to 35 years old with moderate to severe psychiatric disorders