Examining the effectiveness of Don’t Stop Me Now! (DSMN): a community-based sports intervention to promote social integration in adults with early psychosis – study protocol for a multicenter single-case multiple baseline design

BackgroundIndividuals in the early stages of psychosis often experience significant challenges with social participation and physical inactivity, which can negatively impact overall well-being. To address these issues, an individualized, sport-based intervention has been designed to integrate physical activity into daily life outside mental health care institutions. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this personalized sports intervention in promoting social integration – assessed through social functioning, network size, and experienced social inclusion – by targeting factors that influence social integration, namely: self-esteem, self-stigma, negative symptoms and physical inactivity.MethodsA minimum of 24 participants, aged 18–65, in the early stages of psychosis, will be recruited from mental health care institutions in the Netherlands. Using a multiple-baseline single-case design, participants are monitored while undergoing an intervention consisting of approximately 22 sessions over 24 to 26 weeks. The intervention is divided into three phases: (1) individual psychomotor therapy focused on goal setting and rebuilding trust in physical abilities; (2) a group intervention combining psychomotor therapy and sport, emphasizing social connectedness; and (3) participation in community-based sports aimed at fostering social reintegration. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-treatment, and at a 6-month follow-up, with additional evaluations between each phase.DiscussionParticipation in the intervention is expected to lead to improved social integration and self-esteem, and reductions in self-stigma, negative symptoms and physical inactivity. The findings will provide valuable insights into the potential of community-based sports interventions to support (physical and) social recovery for individuals with psychosis, emphasizing the role of these interventions in enhancing both social and physical well-being.Clinical trial registrationOn the 28thof August 2024, this trial was registered in the ISRCTN Registry under ISRCTN84054367.