Effects of a Walking Program in People With Mental Disorders
- Conditions
- Mental Disorders
- Interventions
- Behavioral: 10-week walking program
- Registration Number
- NCT02079012
- Lead Sponsor
- Universitaire Ziekenhuizen KU Leuven
- Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate the short- and long-term effects of a 10-week walking program, based on the self-determination theory, in people with mental disorders. The investigators expect positive effects on:
* Physical fitness
* Physical activity
* Well-being (less feelings of anxiety, less feelings of depression) The investigators also expect underlying psychosocial processes to influence these effects.
- Detailed Description
Framework: Previous research has shown beneficial health effects of a 10-week walking program in a senior organisation. Based upon the self-determination theory, similar results can be expected in people with mental disorders and could be highly relevant, given the fact that these people:
* Are often less active
* Have mental problems and often also comorbidities
* Are often socially isolated
Participants: Psylos tries to recruit a convenience sample of at least 100 participants for an intervention group (which will undertake the walking program) and 80 participants for a control group. All of them have to sign an informed consent. Due to attrition, at least 60 participants in the intervention group and 40 in the control group can be expected. A post hoc analysis, with detailed information about the variation in this population, may give additional information about the necessary power to obtain significant results.
Data analysis: First there will be examined whether the participants in both groups are equal at baseline according to relevant parameters (due to the non-randomisation). Second, to test the main effects, the difference scores will be examined between both groups. If certain assumptions are met, by an unpaired t-test; if not, by a non-parametric test. Finally (if relevant), the underlying psychosocial processes will be examined by regression analyses.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 135
- At least 18 years old
- Member of Psylos
- Medically approved by a physician
Not provided
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Intervention group 10-week walking program Receives: * An information session * A 10-week walking program (with documents, pedometer and three information sessions about motivation, a healthy diet and smoking cessation) * A physical activity diary (which also functions as a tool to check protocol-compliance) * Measurements
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Change in well-being pre - post baseline, 10 weeks Via a questionnaire.
Change in physical fitness pre - follow-up baseline, 6 months Via 6 minute walk test.
Change in physical activity pre - post baseline, 10 weeks Via a questionnaire.
Change in physical fitness pre - post baseline, 10 weeks Via 6 minute walk test.
Change in physical activity pre - follow-up baseline, 6 months Via a questionnaire.
Change in well-being pre - follow-up baseline, 6 months Via a questionnaire.
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Change in psychosocial parameters pre - post baseline, 10 weeks Via a questionnaire.
Change in psychosocial parameters pre - follow-up baseline, 6 months Via a questionnaire.
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
KU Leuven
🇧🇪Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium