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Physical health parameters: comparison of people with severe mental illness with the general population
- Authors:
- NORTHEY Alyce, BARNETT Fiona
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75(2), February 2012, pp.100-105.
- Publisher:
- Sage
Obesity is widely associated with severe mental illness (SMI), and physical activity is known to reduce morbidity and mortality from chronic conditions. This comparative study investigated the physical health and physical activity levels of people with SMI in North Queensland, Australia. Participants included 20 people from the general population and 21 people with SMI. Data were collected regarding participants' physical activity levels over the previous 7 days, including body mass index, blood pressure and waist-to-hip ratio. Body mass index was significantly higher for participants with SMI. Total domestic and garden metabolic equivalent of task (MET), leisure MET, moderate MET, vigorous MET, work MET and overall physical activity scores were significantly higher for participants from the general population. This study found differences in physical health parameters and activity levels between these two populations. The authors concluded that the findings from this study could be used to inform future occupational therapy intervention.
The impact of exercise on the mental health and quality of life of people with severe mental illness: a critical review
- Authors:
- ALEXANDRATOS Kristy, BARNETT Fiona, THOMAS Yvonne
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 75(2), February 2012, pp.48-60.
- Publisher:
- Sage
While physical exercise is beneficial in terms of mental health and wellbeing, there has been little research investigating its impact on mental health and quality of life for people who experience a severe mental illness. This review explores the effect of physical exercise on the mental health and quality of life of people with severe mental illness. Data was drawn from 16 articles published between 1998 and 2009. The findings revealed that exercise contributed to improvements in symptoms, including mood, alertness, concentration, sleep patterns and psychotic symptoms. Exercise also improved quality of life through social interaction, meaningful use of time, purposeful activity and empowerment. The authors concluded that future studies should focus on psychological outcome measures to provide greater evidence for its use in therapy.