Quality of Life of People with Mental Health Challenges and Problematic Substance Use while Engaged with an Exercise Physiology Service

TL;DR

This study shows that an exercise physiology service can improve the quality of life for people with mental health issues and substance use problems, especially in mental health and coping.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of Accredited Exercise Physiologist services for improving quality of life in this specific population.

Findings

Quality of life improved by 5.8% per year, mainly in mental health and coping dimensions.

161 participants completed at least two assessments over a three-year service period.

Linear mixed-effects models showed significant improvements in QoL dimensions.

Abstract

People with mental health challenges and problematic substance use may experience low quality of life (QoL) because of illness-related factors and psychosocial stressors. Evidence indicates that regular exercise can improve QoL for people with a range of mental health and substance use issues, and Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) provide evidence-based exercise interventions for people with a range of health conditions. This study examined QoL changes in people with mental health challenges and problematic substance use while engaged in an AEP service. The service was implemented over three years and involved weekly group exercise sessions and health education. Linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate trajectories of QoL total score and each dimension (independent living, pain, senses, relationships, mental health, coping). A total of 295 participants were inducted, with 161 completing at least two assessments. QoL improved by 5.8% per year (95%CI: 1.8–9.8%), predominantly in mental health and coping dimensions. This study demonstrates the feasibility and adoption of AEP services to inform service planning for improving QoL in people with mental health challenges and problematic substance use.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10597-025-01518-0.

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