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Effects of physical activity intervention for Chinese people with severe mental illness
Date Issued
2018
Journal
ISSN
1049-7315
1552-7581
Citation
Research on Social Work Practice, 2018, vol. 29(7), pp. 796-807.
Type
Peer Reviewed Journal Article
Abstract
Purpose:
This research project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a physical activity (PA) intervention model for people with severe mental illness in a Chinese society.
Methods:
A quasi-experimental design was adopted in this study. In addition to treatment-as-usual (TAU), the treatment group (n = 52) participated in a supervised jogging activity twice a week for a total of eight sessions, followed by four sessions of psychoeducation on nutrition and personal appearance. The control group (n = 42) received TAU. Standardized assessment tools were used for the outcomes assessment at pre- and posttreatment.
Results:
2 × 2 repeated measures analysis of covariance demonstrated that the treatment group was significantly more effective than the control group in reducing depressive symptoms and increasing self-esteem and social support.
Conclusions:
This study supports the effectiveness of a PA intervention model in a Chinese society, suggesting the importance of incorporating regular physical exercises into community-based mental health services.
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