A GREAT program for the Mental Health inpatient cohort
Sha-May Ongkili1, Dale Edgar11East Metropolitan Health Service, Mount Nasura, WA, Australia
Abstract
Exercise is proven to be an effective strategy in managing mood and negative mental health symptoms. Previous studies have shown a reduction of depressive symptoms in older adults over 65 years, and a positive relationship between physical activity and mental health in younger people under 25 years. However, there are limited studies in those with mental health issues, aged 18 to 65 years. Thus, the Group Rehab Exercise and Treatment (GREAT) program was tested in the inpatient cohort, Leschen Mental Health Unit at Armadale Hospital. Our primary research question was: does physical exercise/therapy influence the mood scores of adult patients with psychiatric illness?
After each exercise session, patients’ self-reported mood score was captured using a 0-10 point Visual Analogue Scale.
Results: a convenience sample of 60 patients were assessed during the study period, attending a total of 194 times over a 4-month pilot. Of the 194 instances, 83% showed an improvement in mood score. Furthermore, the magnitude of post-session improvement was a mean of 2.2 points (22%). This shows that just one session of exercise run by a trained physiotherapist may elicit clinically relevant mood improvement.
Where to from here? The promotion of exercise & physical activity should be the norm amongst patients with psychiatric illness. This presentation will discuss the study findings and future recommendations to enhance exercise opportunities in patients with psychiatric illness. In doing so, we hope to contribute to improved mental health outcomes in this cohort.
Biography
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