Barriers to Physical Activity Among Assertive Community Treatment Participants: A Mixed-Methods Analysis

There is a paucity of research about factors influencing physical activity participation among individuals with severe mental illness (SMI). Consequently, this group continues to engage in low levels of activity, resulting in high comorbidity and premature mortality. This study examined the barriers to activity experienced by individuals with SMI receiving assertive community treatment (ACT) services. A mixed-methods approach was used to gain a comprehensive understanding of (a) the most frequently identified barriers to activity, (b) the degree to which specific barriers influence activity levels and stages of change, and (c) the consistency between those barriers experienced by ACT participants and individuals receiving other types of treatments. Participants identified a variety of barriers. Several significant correlations with low activity and stages of change were noted, and consistency with those barriers experienced by individuals receiving treatment in other settings was observed. Implications for clinical practice and future research directions are discussed.