Research News Last updated 03 October 2025
Birmingham City University (黑料吃瓜网) is helping to lead the way in improving physical activity for people staying in mental health secure units in a 鈥榝irst-of-its-kind鈥� .
黑料吃瓜网 is working with Durham University and a number of NHS Trusts to create and deliver a physical activity programme in medium secure mental health units.
People with severe mental health illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression, are聽
Dr Kiara Lewis, Professor of Sport and Exercise Sciences, at 黑料吃瓜网 is one of the lead authors of the studies.
鈥淭his was a real insight into how secure services are currently managed and to hear from staff and service users into what restrictions they face,鈥� she said.
鈥淲e found there could be some simple changes, such as setting realistic goals and monitoring progress, which can successfully support and promote the importance of being physically active.鈥�
Exercise included using the onsite gym, recreational activities such as gardenening or simply walking around the ward to reach the NHS recommended target of 150 minutes of physical activity per week.
"I am incredibly proud of this study,鈥� said Professor Tammi Walker, Professor of Forensic Psychology at Durham University and the project鈥檚 lead. 鈥淚t the first of its kind in the UK.
鈥淚t's a great achievement to successfully demonstrate that a physical activity program is not only needed but also completely feasible and acceptable for people with severe mental illness in secure settings.
鈥淭his work is a crucial step towards improving their physical and mental health."
It鈥檚 well documented that , but people with depression are less likely to be active and聽
But, a previous study within the same research group found there were聽
For service users, this included poor motivation and medication side-effects, whilst staff commented on low staffing-levels and a lack of training.
鈥淭hese studies showed that it is possible to remove barriers and increase activity levels in these wards by creating a culture that promotes the importance of being physically active,鈥� added Professor Lewis.
鈥淧articipants reported being more active, feeling healthier, and better in themselves.鈥�
Now a feasibility study has been successful, researchers are now aiming to replicate and develop their physical activity programme with a larger pool of service users.