Collaborative Approaches to Promoting Physical Activity in Secure Mental Health Units

People with severe mental health conditions often face challenges in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which can lead to increased risks of physical health issues such as obesity and high blood pressure, ultimately reducing life expectancy. Engaging in regular physical activity is known to improve overall health and well-being, yet individuals residing in secure mental health units frequently find it difficult to stay active due to various barriers.

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Durham University has explored innovative strategies to promote physical activity within medium secure mental health facilities. This UK-based feasibility study involved close collaboration with service users, NHS staff, and partners to develop and implement tailored exercise interventions. The activities ranged from utilizing onsite gyms and gardening to simple walking routines around the ward.

Participants reported feeling more energetic, healthier, and more positive about themselves after taking part in these programs. The study, published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, demonstrated that implementing physical activity initiatives in secure mental health environments is feasible and shows promise for improving the physical health of adults with serious mental health conditions living in restrictive settings.

Challenges to exercising in these environments include medication side effects like fatigue and inconsistent support from staff. Despite the fact that around 3,500 individuals in the UK reside in medium secure services, research into effective ways to keep these individuals active has been limited.

Moving forward, the researchers aim to expand these programs through larger trials across multiple hospitals to evaluate their effectiveness on a broader scale. This approach highlights the importance of integrated care and collaborative efforts in improving health outcomes for some of the most vulnerable populations.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-people-mental-health-stay-healthy.html