Project 3/7; Increased Physical Activity for Body and Mind

The association between adequate amount of physical activity and good health is well established and for children and young people, and sufficient physical activity is an important factor for normal growth and development. Contrary, physical inactivity is associated with higher symptom pressure of mental disorders. Adolescents with mental disorders report to be less active compare the general population, with potentially increased risk of health and lifestyle diseases. This project aims to provide new knowledge on the degree of physical activity, motivation for physical activity and subjective perception of health in adolescents in need of mental health care. Further, this project aim to provide possible solution on how to increase physical activity in this patient group. Thus, this project has the potential to impact future guidelines for mental health services for adolescents in need of mental health care.

Children and adolescents are recommended to perform at least 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous intensity. Further the guidelines state that children and adolescents should, incorporate vigorous-intensity aerobic activities that strengthens muscle and skeleton at least three times a week. High intensity training has been reported to have a positive effect on mental health variables in adults with mental disorders. However, the literature lacks studies on how this exercise regime affect the degree of and motivation for physical activity in inactive adolescents suffering from mental disorders. There are few studies, especially Norwegians, that have been done on this field, and more research on how we can follow up on these guidelines is urgently needed. This project is divided into three research questions: 1. Is it possible to increase the motivation for and degree of physical activity by a 3-joint training intervention including 1) Supervised exercise training group, 2) School based training supported by teacher in physical education, 3) Homebased training supported by caregivers, in adolescence between 12-17 years of age with low physical activity level referred to CAP clinic? 2. Compared to treatment as usual; is it possible to reduce the psychiatric symptom pressure and increase quality of life in adolescents at CAP clinic, by a 12-week training intervention including 1) Supervised exercise training group, 2) School based training supported by teacher in physical education, 3) Homebased training supported by caregivers? 3. Are physical activity level, psychiatric symptom pressure, and quality of life changed 6 months post exercise intervention (after 12-weeks) in adolescents at CAP clinic?