Physical Activity in Adults with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: A Large Cross-Sectional Survey Exploring Patterns, Preferences, Barriers, and Motivating Factors

Garry A. Tew (), Laura Bailey, Rebecca J. Beeken, Cindy Cooper, Robert Copeland, Samantha Brady, Paul Heron, Andrew Hill, Ellen Lee, Panagiotis Spanakis, Brendon Stubbs, Gemma Traviss-Turner, Lauren Walker, Stephen Walters, Simon Gilbody and Emily Peckham
Additional contact information
Garry A. Tew: Institute for Health and Care Improvement, York St John University, York YO31 7EX, UK
Laura Bailey: School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
Rebecca J. Beeken: School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
Cindy Cooper: School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 4DA, UK
Robert Copeland: Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S9 3TU, UK
Samantha Brady: Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
Paul Heron: Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
Andrew Hill: School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
Ellen Lee: School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 4DA, UK
Panagiotis Spanakis: Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
Brendon Stubbs: Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
Gemma Traviss-Turner: School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
Lauren Walker: Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
Stephen Walters: School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 4DA, UK
Simon Gilbody: Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK
Emily Peckham: Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York YO10 5DD, UK

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 3, 1-23

Abstract: Adults with severe mental ill health may have specific attitudes toward physical activity. To inform intervention development, we conducted a survey to assess the physical activity patterns, preferences, barriers, and motivations of adults with severe mental ill health living in the community. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics, and logistic regressions were used to explore relationships between physical activity status and participant characteristics. Five-hundred and twenty-nine participants (58% male, mean age 49.3 years) completed the survey. Large numbers were insufficiently active and excessively sedentary. Self-reported levels of physical activity below that recommended in national guidelines were associated with professional inactivity, consumption of fewer than five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, older age, and poor mental health. Participants indicated a preference for low-intensity activities and physical activity that they can do on their own, at their own time and pace, and close to home. The most commonly endorsed source of support was social support from family and friends. Common motivations included improving mental health, physical fitness, and energy levels. However, poor mental and physical health and being too tired were also common barriers. These findings can inform the development of physical activity interventions for this group of people.

Keywords: exercise; sedentary behaviour; cross-sectional study; survey; determinants; preferences; severe mental illness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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