The impact of exercise training complementary to early intervention in patients with first-episode psychosis: a qualitative sub-study from a randomized controlled feasibility trial

BMC Psychiatry

Bjørn H. Ebdrup¹  Julie Midtgaard²  Lene Q. Larsen²  Nikolai B. Nordsborg³  Britt P. Tersbøl⁴  Helle Schnor⁵ 

[1] Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, CNSR, and Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, CINS, Mental Health Centre Glostrup, University of Copenhagen;Department 9701, The University Hospitals Centre for Health Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet;Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen;Global Health, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen;Mental Health Centre Glostrup, University of Copenhagen;

关键词: Schizophrenia;    Exercise training;    Early intervention;    Young adults;    Recovery;    First-episode psychosis;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12888-019-2179-3

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Burgeoning evidence suggests that exercise improves physical and mental health in people with schizophrenia. However, little is known about the feasibility and acceptability of high-intensity training in patients with first-episode psychosis. This qualitative study explored motivation, social interaction and experiences of participants and instructors in relation to an eight-week moderate to high intensity exercise training programme in a clinical trial including patients with first-episode psychosis. Methods The study used a combination of method, source and investigator triangulation. Data were collected by means of semi-structured individual interviews with participants at baseline (n = 16) and at follow-up (n = 9), as well as by means of participant observations during the programme (8 sessions × 1.5 h, 12 h in total) and focus group discussions with participants (n = 3) and instructors (n = 4), respectively, after the programme. Data were analysed using thematic analysis as described by Braun and Clarke. Results Three main themes and ten subthemes emerged during the analysis: 1) motivation and expectations for enrolment (subthemes: routines and structure, social obligation, goal setting and self-worth); 2) new demands and opportunities (subthemes: practicalities of the training, an understanding exercise setting, and alone and together); and 3) looking ahead – reflections on impact (subthemes: restored sleep and circadian rhythm, energy and sense of achievement, changed everyday life, and hope of finding a new path). Findings suggest that the programme was appealing to, and appreciated by, the participants because of its potential to create an equally challenging and caring non-clinical environment. Conclusions This study indicates that supervised, group-based, moderate to high intensity exercise training complementary to early intervention in psychosis is acceptable. Specifically, the intervention appeared to provide patients an opportunity to integrate the notion of being a young individual along with being a patient with a psychiatric diagnosis, thus supporting and promoting recovery. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03409393. Registered January 24, 2018.

【 授权许可】

Unknown