Recorded presentation

Dori S. Hutchinson, ScD and Cheryl Gagne, MS, ScD (cand). Services Division, Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, 940 Commonwealth Ave West, Boston, MA 02215, 671-353-3549, dorih@bu.edu

Background: People with serious mental illness are faced with the dual challenge of re-integrating into their communities and improving their physical health. The consequences of an inactive lifestyle have been well documented in persons with mental illness. It has been documented this group experiences a mortality rate of 2.5 times higher than the general population. This session will summarize a NIDRR funded study conducted at the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation that demonstrates the feasibility of structured exercise as an adjunct to the treatment, rehabilitation and recovery of persons with serious mental illness. Methods :Thirty-seven adults with DSM-IV diagnoses of major mental illness participated in a supported, structured exercise study for 40 weeks. The intervention consisted of three 45-minute exercise sessions for 20 weeks and then individuals participated in a follow up period matching the exercise phase in duration. Participants were evaluated on both physical and psychological measures at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 weeks. Physical assessments consisted of treadmill or bicycle ergometer performance as well as blood lipid profiles. Self-report measures using standardized instruments of self-esteem, quality of life and mood were collected. Results: Physiological and psychological changes were significant during the exercise phase of the study. The data suggested that exercise may play an important role in recovery from serious mental illness and provided the foundation for the implementation of a holistic wellness center for persons with serious mental illness at Boston University, known as The Recovery Center.

Learning Objectives: Participants will

• Increase their awareness of need for physical activity programs for persons with serious mental illness
• Gain knowledge of a structured exercise program that result in significant changes in the psychological and physical health of persons with serious mental illness
• Understand the role of physical exercise and health promotion services in the treatment, rehabilitation and recovery of persons with mental illness.

Keywords: Sever Mental Illness, Exercise

Related Web page: www.bu.edu/cpr

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation research and services will be discussed.
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am employed at Boston University Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation.

Recorded presentation