Physical Activity and Severe Mental Illness (PASMI) Group

The vision of the Physical Activity and Severe Mental Illness (PASMI) research group is to support those with severe mental illness to live physically active lives with a positive impact on physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Mission

To unite academics, clinicians and researchers, sharing experiences and ideas developing new, collaborative research projects within the topic of physical activity and severe mental illness. The aim of this research being to improve the physical, mental and social wellbeing of those with lived experience of severe mental illness.

Background

Members of PASMI have a deep interest in supporting those with severe mental illness (SMI) to live more physically active lives. People with SMI typically engage in low levels of physical activity or do not engage in physical activity at all. They are also likely to engage in excessive sedentary behaviour. This can lead to physical and mental health complications. Research has demonstrated that engaging in physical activity can support those with SMI to manage their condition, whilst improving both physical and mental health and quality of life.

PASMI formed to unite researchers and professionals interested in supporting those with SMI to live more active lives. To date, various research projects have been developed from members of the PASMI group on this topic. PASMI has ambitions to become more established nationally, and perhaps globally as an inclusive and impactful research group in physical activity and SMI.

Aims

1. To develop and deliver high quality research projects in physical activity and SMI
2. To grow the knowledge and understanding of how to support those with SMI to live active lives in both inpatient and community settings
3. To grow and develop the pool of researchers and professionals interested in this research topic.

Research Pillars

• Utilise collaboration throughout the research process including academics, clinicians and those with lived experience
• Develop and implement best practice to advance research
• Conduct impact generating activities
• Create a line of thread through from early- to late-career researchers

Relevant Research Projects

SPACES

Supporting Physical Activity through Co-production in pEople with Severe mental illness is an NIHR Programme Grant for Applied Research six-year project. The aim of SPACES was to co-produce and test a physical activity intervention to be delivered within existing NHS trust services. To find out more, please visit the SPACES website

Co-SPACES

Co-SPACES is a Community add on to SPACES. Through SPACES the difficulty linking NHS professionals and community assets became evident. Co-SPACES aims to understand the barriers for NHS and community providers, and develop helpful resources to aid this process.

Couch to parkrun

In 2022-23 we used a RCF grant to ask people with SMI about their experiences and opinions on NHS Couch to 5k and on parkrun.  From this initial information we are now developing a new project, ACTIVATING Exercise, to find out what does and does not work to help marginalised people to get up and active in a group setting.

Exercise Referral for Mental Health

We are in the process of analysing existing data from the National Refer All database. This study aims to investigate mental health-related referrals to Exercise Referral Schemes (ERS) compared to non-mental health referrals. It seeks to identify patterns, assess changes in behavioural and health outcomes from entry to exit, and address gaps in literature regarding adherence and attrition rates, ultimately improving strategies for ERS effectiveness.

Physical Activity Interventions in Acute Mental Health Inpatient Settings

The project aimed to systematically review physical activity interventions for inpatients in acute mental health wards. In addition, it sought to gather insights from patients and staff to inform the design and implementation of these interventions, addressing barriers and enhancing engagement.

Increasing physical activity in medium secure services

A feasibility and acceptability study, funded by the NIHR Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme, was conducted to co-produce and test a physical activity (PA) intervention for the approximately 3,500 individuals in UK medium secure services who have severe mental illness (SMI) and low PA. Using the COM-B model, researchers recruited 33 male and female service users from two sites, with 26 completing the intervention. The study found good retention rates and demonstrated that following the intervention, participants increased their PA behaviour and improved physical health and well-being. The findings indicate that it is feasible and acceptable to co-produce, deliver, and maintain commitment to a PA intervention in this setting, supporting the need for a future pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) to confirm its effectiveness. For more details, see published paper.

Early Intervention Psychosis services and physical activity

This project aims to complete preliminary work within Early Intervention Psychosis services (EIP) to explore the possibility of a physical activity intervention be included in routine care. This project will underpin a future NIHR grant to further investigate this topic, with the hope to develop a feasible, acceptable, and effective intervention that increases physical activity and reduces sedentary behaviour for people in EIP, to, intern, support those in EIP to live a healthier, happier life. 

PASMI co-ordinators

The group is led by academics and clinicians in the north of England and Wales but is open and welcoming to those with shared interests across the rest of the UK and beyond. If you would like to become a member of PASMI or hear more, please get in touch with one of the co-ordinators listed below.

PASMI Members