Impact of Exercise Groups on Patient Mental Health and Wellbeing in an Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Unit

Participants will complete pre-intervention self-report surveys about mood, anxiety, energy, self-esteem, and activity handed out by the research team. At this point, an occupational therapist (OT) will begin 10-minute educational session that describes the purpose of the exercise intervention and methods to remain safe during the intervention such as self-monitoring techniques. Following completion of the educational session, participants will complete a 30-minute exercise intervention under the guidance of the OT, which includes warm-up, high intensity interval training cardio, strength, kick boxing, cool-down, and yoga. Following completion of the exercise regimen, participants will participate in a 10-minute discussion and reflection with the OT and complete post-intervention self-report surveys. Participants in the intervention arm will also receive routine daily occupational therapy educational sessions received by the treatment as usual arm.

Participants will complete pre-session self-report surveys about mood, anxiety, energy, self-esteem, and activity handed out by the research team. At this point, an occupational therapist (OT) will begin daily educational session about the topic of choice for that day. Treatment groups are largely discussion-based and include the following topics: coping skills, self-esteem, sleep management, leisure, time management, life skills, decision making, and goal setting. Following completion of the educational session, participants will complete post-intervention self-report surveys.