Recent abstract which may be of interest..

Process evaluation in an intervention designed to promote physical activity
among adults with anxiety disorders: Evidence of acceptability and
adherence.
Phongsavan P, Merom D, Wagner R, Chey T, von Hofe B, Silove D, Bauman A.

Centre for Physical Activity and Health, School of Public Health, University
of Sydney.

ISSUE ADDRESSED: To assess the adherence and acceptability of a physical
activity program delivered as an adjunct to the usual cognitive behavioural
group therapy (CBGT) for adults with anxiety disorders. METHODS:
Seventy-three participants with either a generalised anxiety disorder,
social phobia or panic disorder were randomised to either exercise-enhanced
CBGT (CBGT+EX) or the usual CBGT plus nutrition education (CBGT+ED) group.
Physical activity, stress, anxiety, depression were assessed at baseline;
session attendance, compliance and satisfaction were assessed during the
eight-week intervention. RESULTS: Forty-five per cent of participants
achieved the recommended levels of physical activity for health at baseline.
The proportions of participants attending group meetings declined over time
across both groups. In the intervention groups (CBGT+EX), a slightly higher
proportion of participants attended the CBGT session than the physical
activity sessions. Individuals with social phobia were significantly more
likely than those with panic or generalised anxiety disorder to adhere to
the physical activity program. Among the remaining adherers, most reported
satisfaction with their skills development and better understanding of the
benefits of physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Time constraints and
participants viewing physical activities as irrelevant or detracting them
from their psychological treatment are potential factors contributing to low
adherence and present as challenges in implementing a physical activity
program as adjunctive to psychological treatment. Process evaluation data
helped profile participants who adhered or not adhered to the physical
activity program and will inform future physical activity promotion to
individuals with anxiety disorders.

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Kaete Walker
Email: kaete@... URL: http://www.kaete.net/
The Mental Health List:
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/MentalHealthResources/