Database of New Zealand mental health research
About | Browse | Search | Submit
Evaluation of the Activity Based Experience (ABE) Programmme at Richmond New Zealand
Investigator(s) / AuthorsArno Grueber
| Principal contact | |
|---|---|
| Name | Mr Arno Grueber |
| agrueber@richmond.org.nz | |
| The research | |
| Summary | The ABE Programme is a physical activity initiative delivered by non government organisation, Richmond New Zealand, with the primary aim of encouraging people living with mental illness to engage in healthier lifestyles. |
| Objectives | To this end, the initiative offers client-centred, individualized programmes that are three months in duration and incorporate exercise and nutritional advice for the improvement of physical health and mental well-being. To enter the programme, a referral is needed from a health professional or mental health service provider. Research indicates that people with a mental illness have poorer physical health, nutrition and fitness levels than people without a mental illness. Further, various studies have shown that physical activity and lifestyle programmes for people with a mental illness can improve their physical and mental health. This pilot study aimed to review relevant literature to draw recommendations for improvement of the ABE Programme; to evaluate the outcomes for participants utilizing available assessment data and a satisfaction survey. |
| Study design | Mean score comparisons were used to evaluate the existing data of the 28 pre and post programme assessment results (M; SD; t-test; CV; .05 significance level). Main diagnosis’ were Depression (10) and Schizophrenia Affective Disorder (14). 20 follow up programme assessment were integrated into the analysis. Assessments included blood pressure, weight, BMI and self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale). The same method was used to analyse 25 satisfaction surveys (M; SD). |
| Methods | Pilot, Survey |
| Results | Most of the participants (age M=43) were overweight or obese (M for BMI=33.5; SD= 6.6). No statistically significant changes occurred in the physical measurements taken. Self-esteem showed a significant improvement during the programme (p=0.0008; CV=26%) and was maintained after the programme. In particular significant was the increase of self-esteem for females (p=0.04; CV=71%). Participants were in general very satisfied with the ABE Programme. Suggestions were made mainly regarding the duration of the programme. |
| Conclusions | The ABE Programme potentially increases self-esteem and can therefore play an important part for recovery of people with mental illness. However, for physical health changes to occur, the duration of the programme, frequency or intensity of the sessions and assessment tools need to be reviewed. Case studies and qualitative research are recommended to investigate clients’ point of view, together with a control group to confirm if outcomes are related to the programme. Further research is needed regarding if/how lifestyle changes can be maintained long term. |
| Key Descriptors | Intervention/Treatment, Promotion |
| Disciplines | Support Work |
| Settings | Community, NGO (Non Government Organisation) |
| Diagnostic Categories | General |
| Populations | General Population |
| Other Keywords | Physical activity, physical health, healthier lifestyles, exercise, nutrition, mental well-being |
| Ethics approval | No |
| Academic led | Yes |
| Service led | Yes |
| How were service users involved | Participants of the research |
| Publication in peer review journal | No |
| Supporting information | |
| Uploaded files | |
| Links |
|
Page last updated: 7 November 2008