Developing a Community-Based Tailored Exercise Program for People With Severe and Persistent Mental Illness

BACKGROUND: People with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) are at a greater risk of medical issues compared with the general population. Exercise has a positive effect on physical and mental health outcomes among this population in community settings. OBJECTIVES: To describe community-based participatory research (CBPR) methods used to tailor an exercise program among people with SPMI, demonstrate its impact, and present lessons learned for future research. METHODS: The partnership developed a project to explore the feasibility of implementing a physical activity program at a community agency among clients with SPMI. LESSONS LEARNED: Data showed improved trends in mood, social support, and physical and mental health outcomes. Facilitators and barriers must be carefully considered for recruitment and retention. CONCLUSIONS: A gender-specific, group-based, tailored exercise intervention developed through collaboration with a community agency serving people with SPMI using CBPR methods is feasible.