Braining, structured physical activity in specialized psychiatry for patients with substance use disorders-a feasibility study.
Patients with substance use disorders attended few sessions of a physical activity program.
Braining, structured physical activity in specialized psychiatry for patients with substance use disorders-a feasibility study.
Individuals with substance use disorders (substance use disorders) have poor metabolic and cardiovascular health and a high prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms.
This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an aerobic physical activity intervention (Braining) in psychiatric care services specialized in substance use disorders.
In this uncontrolled open trial with pre-, post-, and 12-month follow-up measures, 22 patients with substance use disorders participated in a 12-week physical activity intervention.
Adherence to ActiGraph measurements was 73% at baseline, 46% mid-intervention, and 32% post-intervention.
Completion of self-report assessments was 100% at baseline, 86% post-intervention, and 77% at 12-month follow-up.
The mean Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) score was 27 (SD = 3.9), and no serious adverse events were reported.
Acceptability of the intervention was high in the target patient population; however, exercise attendance was low. Participants engaged adequately in study procedures, but adherence to accelerometer-based measurements was low.
With further methodological refinements to enhance patient engagement and adaptations to how physical activity is measured in vulnerable patient populations, Braining remains a relevant intervention and warrants systematic evaluation in future large-scale controlled trials.
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