Walking Back to Health: A Qualitative Investigation Into Service Users' Experiences of a Walking Project

Abstract

The relationship between physical activity and mental health is well documented and has led to the inclusion of physical activity into the treatment of people with mental health problems within heath care. However, little research has been conducted on the outcomes these programmes have for the people who participate in them. This study investigated the perceived health outcomes of people with mental health problems who had successfully participated in a walking project. The research is a descriptive qualitative study that used individual interviews and the constant comparative method of analysis. Findings conclude that physical activity programmes have a significant part to play in the quality of life of people with mental health problems and have the potential to be an integral part of their health care.

Uptake and Participation in Physical Activity Referral Schemes in the UK: An Investigation of Patients Referred with Mental Health Problems

“…The highly structured nature of traditional physical activity referral schemes, designed predominately for physical health enhancement (Gidlow et al, 2005), have previously been recommended as a suitable community based intervention for the promotion of mental health for people with mental health problems (Mental Health Foundation, 2005). However, it has previously been reported that reasons for either dropping out of, or difficulties with attending therapy in mental health referrals include difficulties in access, financial constraints and the side effect of medication (Crone, 2007;Issakidis & Andrews, 2004). One possible interpretation of these findings therefore is that current practice is not yet flexible enough to provide the social network and support that Grant (2000) and Crone et al, (2005) suggest is required for successful physical activity programs for this patient group.…”

“…Physical activity schemes are being actively promoted as a means to support the treatment of people with mental health problems (Mental Health Foundation, 2005). However, previous research Crone, 2007) and practitioner guidelines (Grant, 2000) have recommended that physical activity programs for people with mental health conditions need to be adaptable and specifically tailored to meet their needs; for example, to allow participants to drop in and out of programs should the symptoms of their condition fluctuate. The highly structured nature of traditional physical activity referral schemes, designed predominately for physical health enhancement (Gidlow et al, 2005), have previously been recommended as a suitable community based intervention for the promotion of mental health for people with mental health problems (Mental Health Foundation, 2005).…”

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

“…This meant the following studies were excluded: Carless and Douglas (2008a) because a deductive approach was used in their analysis; Carless and Sparkes (2008) because a lack of a discussion meant that second order interpretations could not be undertaken and this may have also limited third order interpretations; Carless (2008) because the study referred to a life history rather than a specific sport or exercise process or intervention; Carless and Douglas (2008b) because the study presented case studies and lacked an analytical consideration of the literature; Douglas and Carless (2010) because the study was a fictional tale; and, because it formed part of a PhD thesis and was not published. Eight studies were selected to be used within the meta-ethnography and included: Carless (2007), Shiner et al (2008), Crone (2007), Fogarty and Happell (2005), Sparkes (1999), Carter-Morris and, Carless and Douglas (2004), and Crone and Guy (2008). Our exclusion criteria should not be interpreted as suggesting any devaluation of the excluded research; in fact, we have used our discussion to take account of their findings.…”

“…This was important in drawing the patients towards the exercise. Patients were inspired by the nature, motivation and knowledge of other patients within the activity or sports setting (Crone, 2007). The group activity provided a time for sharing personal experiences and this helped provide a sense of unity with others in the group (Crone, 2007).…”

“…A qualitative approach that explores and reports on individual experiences across physical activity interventions may be best placed to forge this understanding. The process, phases and current understanding of introducing physical activity has been gauged by a number of well considered qualitative studies (Carter-Morris & Faulkner, 2003;Carless, 2008;Carless & Douglas, 2004;2008a;2008b;Carless and Sparkes, 2008;Crone, 2007;Faulkner and Sparkes, 1999;Shiner et al, 2008;. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge there is currently no review that synthesises and proposes advancements based upon this important and valuable information.…”