The effect of exercise on psychological & physical health outcomes: preliminary results from a Norwegian forensic hospital.
People with mental illness are more likely to experience physical health problems and die prematurely than are comparable populations. This study evaluated whether exercise, when offered as part of routine treatment, affects the psychological and physical health of patients in a high-secure forensic unit in Norway. Thirteen patients completed a structured exercise program lasting 8 to 12 weeks. After completion of the program, resting heart rate and systolic blood pressure after treadmill testing were significantly improved. In addition, patients' subjective feelings of well-being and safety improved significantly. This study shows that structured exercise is possible to perform with noticeable improvements and low attrition among patients with complex conditions. Implications for future studies and practice are discussed.
Tetlie
Trine
T
St. Olavs University Hospital, Forensic Department, Trondheim, Norway. trine.tetlie@gmail.com
Eik-Nes
Norgils
N
Palmstierna
Tom
T
Callaghan
Patrick
P
Nøttestad
Jim A
JA
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001794:Blood Pressure; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry; D006304:Health Status; D006339:Heart Rate; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D009765:Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010809:Physical Fitness; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012449:Safety; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013599:Systole