Physical activity for adolescents with severe mental illness: a systematic scoping review

Abstract

Adolescents with severe mental illness (SMI) engage in lower levels of physical activity (PA), a modifiable risk factor for poor physical health. Although PA is associated with physical and psychological benefits in adult SMI populations, few studies focus exclusively on adolescents. This systematic scoping review aimed to identify the characteristics, outcomes, and feasibility of studies which have attempted to engage or increase PA in adolescents with SMI. Web of Science, PsycINFO, PubMed and psycARTICLES were used to identify articles published between 2007-2019. PRISMA guidelines were followed in reporting the results. Ten studies, with a total of 281 participants (mean age: 16.1 ± 0.72) met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies aimed to yield improvements in the primary diagnosis in addition to other clinical outcome measures. Five studies adopted a 3x weekly schedule, though exercise modality, duration and intensity varied. Seven found improvements in the primary diagnosis, with five reporting sustained improvement at follow-up. Participant completion of the intervention ranged between 73-90%. Adolescents with SMI will adhere to and experience a range of positive outcomes from a range of exercise modalities and intervention lengths. However, significant heterogeneity between studies limits conclusions with that can be drawn regarding beneficial outcomes and feasibility.

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“…Search sources: five key databases: Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, PsychArticles and EmBase. These were chosen due to their use in reviews of a similar nature 5 43. Covidence software will be used to record the steps and remove duplicates.…”

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“…, 2012). Children with mental health problems are also at greater risk of physical health problems (Anthony et al ., 2020). Furthermore, untreated mental illness can have a detrimental impact throughout the development of an individuals' lifetime.…”

“…It is estimated that 75% of children and young people affected by mental health problems are not being appropriately supported (Mental Health Foundation, 2022) and good emotional, mental and physical health in early life is known to prevent poorer long-term health outcomes (Naylor et al, 2012). Children with mental health problems are also at greater risk of physical health problems (Anthony et al, 2020). Furthermore, untreated mental illness can have a detrimental impact throughout the development of an individuals' lifetime.…”