Efficacy of Exercise for Patients with Mental Illness Names, Title Nurse Residency Project, August 2016 Project Purpose Evidence Summary Evaluation/Results/Conclusion To demonstrate the importance of physical exercise in the Mental Health population. Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) literature was utilized to demonstrate that physical activity has shown promise in alleviating symptoms of common Mental Health disorders. “Studies of inpatient populations demonstrate exercise to be a safe and well tolerated intervention across a range of Mental Health conditions”.5 Qualitative studies have supported that exercise interventions are effective in aiding in recovery for Mental Health patients.3 Physical exercise provides benefits as a treatment for Depression and promoted a 49% increase in the probability of response to treatment.4 Depressed adults who take part in a fitness program display improvements with Depression, Anxiety and self- concept verses those who do not.2 Regular physical activity performed by patients with Schizophrenia distracts them from stressful stimuli and therefore helps lessen anxiety symptoms.1 The Behavioral Health unit is in the process of incorporating this Evidence- Based Research into the milieu of the Behavioral Health department. Projected date of implementation of the pedometer pilot is September 2016, and pending positive outcomes, pedometers will be distributed on the Adult Psych unit as well. Positive results will be measured by patient responses to questions such as: Improved confidence and social skills amongst patients Better coordination and stamina Improved concentration and learning Improved sleep Elevated mood Lessened symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and a generalized higher sense of patient well-being. Rationale/Background Why was this project necessary? Currently, Blessing Behavioral Heath inpatient units do not educate or provide written material about the benefits of physical exercise on Mental Health disorders. Research indicates that use of physical exercise in conjunction with cognitive-behavioral therapies and pharmacological treatments can enhance mental well-being.2 How will it benefit our patients? Patients will gain a better understanding of the importance of utilizing exercise in the treatment of common Mental Health disorders. With implementation of education, patients will be able to incorporate exercise into both inpatient stay and perhaps continue implementation in the outpatient setting. Implementation/EBP Change Nurse residents along with Performance Excellence plan to implement pedometers on the Behavioral Health inpatient unit as a pilot program. Pedometers will allow patients to set exercise goals while tracking his/her physical exercise while hospitalized. Educational information will be provided to each patient on admission. This will aid to inform patients on the importance of implementing physical exercise in their treatment regimens. Education will be provided in written format along with verbal instructions and re-enforcement from a Registered Nurse. Exercise education will provide suggestions for exercise modalities such as: 30 minutes per day on all or most days(5) per week, at a moderate-vigorous intensity2 Walking, running, yoga, cycling, breathing techniques and sporting activities Start small and build gradually when performing these exercise routines. References Acil, A.A., Dogan, S., & Dogan,O. (2008). The effects of physical exercises to mental state and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 15, 808-815. Craft, L.L., & Perna, F.M. (2004). The benefits of exercise for the clinically depressed. Primary Care Companion Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 6(3), 104-111. Mason, O. J., & Holt, R. (2012). Mental health and physical activity interventions: A review of the qualitative literature. Journal of Mental Health, 21(3), 274-284. Silveria, H., Moraes, H., Oliveria, N., Coutinho, E. F., Laks, J., & Deslandes. A. (2013). Physical exercise and clinically depressed patients: A systematic review and meta- analysis. Neuropsychobiology, 67, 61-68. doi:10.1159/000345160 Stanton, R., & Happell, B. (2014). Exercise for mental illness: A systematic review of inpatient studies. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 23, 232-242. doi: 10.1111/inm.12045