Embedding Physical Activity into Community-Based Peer Support Groups for those Severely Affected by Mental Illness.

ABSTRACT: Despite a growing evidence base on the effectiveness of community-based physical activity interventions for mental health, there is a lack of studies that focus on those affected by severe mental illness (SMI), who often experience poorer physical health, and are less physically active than the wider population. The use of peer support groups in this context is also understudied, despite benefits being documented in other contexts. This study examined the impact and process of a nationwide project to embed physical activity into peer support groups for those affected by SMI. Following the embedding of physical activity within peer support groups, interviews and focus groups were conducted to explore the experiences of those involved with the project and analysed using reflexive thematic an

SUBMITTER: Healy LC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9916288 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature