Using internet enabled mobile devices and social networking technologies to promote exercise as an intervention for young first episode psychosis patients

Abstract

BackgroundYoung people with first episode psychosis are at an increased risk for a range of poor health outcomes. In contrast to the growing body of evidence that suggests that exercise therapy may benefit the physical and mental health of people diagnosed with schizophrenia, there are no studies to date that have sought to extend the use of exercise therapy among patients with first episode psychosis. The aim of the study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of an exercise program that will be delivered via internet enabled mobile devices and social networking technologies among young people with first episode psychosis.Methods/DesignThis study is a qualitative pilot study being conducted at Orygen Youth Health Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia. Participants are young people aged 15-24 who are receiving clinical care at a specialist first episode psychosis treatment centre. Participants will also comprise young people from the general population. The exercise intervention is a 9-week running program, designed to gradually build a person's level of fitness to be able to run 5 kilometres (3 miles) towards the end of the program. The program will be delivered via an internet enabled mobile device. Participants will be asked to post messages about their running experiences on the social networking website, and will also be asked to attend three face-to-face interviews.DiscussionThis paper describes the development of a qualitative study to pilot a running program coupled with the use of internet enabled mobile devices among young people with first episode psychosis. If the program is found to be feasible and acceptable to patients, it is hoped that further rigorous evaluations will ultimately lead to the introduction of exercise therapy as part of an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach in routine clinical care.

How connected are people with schizophrenia? Cell phone, computer, email, and social media use

“…The use of Internet-enabled mobile devices and social networking technologies to promote exercise in subjects at a specialist first-episode psychosis treatment center is also being investigated. Killackey et al (2011) describes methodology for a 9-week running program (with a goal of running five kilometers), delivered by an Internet-enabled mobile device, in 10 subjects with first-episode psychosis and 10 controls. Outside of psychosis, there is evidence for acceptability and efficacy of technology-based interventions in depression and anxiety in adults as well as children and adolescents (Calear and Christensen, 2010;Cuijpers et al, 2009;Griffiths et al, 2010;Newman et al, 2011;Stuhlmiller and Tolchard, 2009;Van't Hof et al, 2009).…”

A review of vulnerability and risks for schizophrenia: Beyond the two hit hypothesis

“…A 2010 Cochrane review concluded that regular exercise programs are feasible in patients suffering from schizophrenia and have shown promising effects on both physical health, symptoms and cognition, as long as they have adequate intensity and duration (Gorczynski and Faulkner, 2010). Recently, some novel interventions have been developed that show promise in promoting physical activity and engagement in young, first episode patients with schizophrenia through the use of internet enabled mobile devices and interactive exercise applications (Killackey et al, 2011). Given the potential impact early life stressors and/or maternal under or over-nutrition may have on the subsequent pathogenesis of schizophrenia, it has been postulated that the delivery of health education, smoking cessation, substance use, nutritional and lifestyle interventions for women during the antenatal period may have long term benefits on diverse neurocognitive outcomes (Jacka and Berk, 2014; O’Neil et al, 2014).…”

Understanding the Psychosocial Processes of Physical Activity for Individuals with Severe Mental Illness: A Meta-Ethnography

“…Thus, being able to provide and maintain a social network within the activity setting is important for prolonged engagement. The utilization of social networking devices may be a way to encourage and develop patient's social expression, unity, support and identity (Killackey et al, 2011). Conversely, a limited network or isolated support can create reliance and dependency on health care professionals which can have negative effects (Faulkner & Sparkes, 1999;.…”