Outdoor Exercise Program for Mental Illness

(PARCS Trial)

Enrolling by invitation at 1 trial location

Overseen By Catherine L Davis, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Kansas State University

Disqualifiers: Under 18, No physician clearance

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a park-based exercise program designed to help adults with serious mental illness. Participants will engage in aerobic and resistance training sessions led by certified peer counselors. The goal is to assess how outdoor physical activity can support mental health recovery. It suits those already in a peer support program and cleared for exercise. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative methods to enhance mental health recovery through physical activity.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this protocol is safe for adults with serious mental illness?

Research has shown that park-based physical activities, like those under testing, are generally safe for individuals with serious mental health conditions. Past studies indicate that mental health professionals have well-received and supported these activities. No major reports of harm or negative effects have emerged from these activities.

Outdoor exercises, such as walking or hiking, can boost mood and reduce stress. Trained peer counselors supervise these activities, providing an extra layer of safety and support. Overall, park-based physical activity is considered a safe and effective way to enhance both mental and physical health. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the park-based physical activity program because it offers a refreshing approach to managing serious mental illness. Unlike traditional treatments such as medication and therapy, this intervention combines aerobic and resistance exercises in a natural park setting, potentially boosting mental health through physical activity and nature exposure. Led by certified peer counselors, this treatment also emphasizes community support, which can enhance recovery outcomes. This method taps into the benefits of exercise and social interaction, aiming to improve mental health in a holistic and engaging way.

What evidence suggests that this park-based physical activity protocol is effective for serious mental illness?

Studies have shown that exercising in parks can improve health, especially for people with serious mental illness (SMI). Research indicates that this activity can lift mood, increase energy, and boost self-esteem. Early findings suggest that park-based activities can also reduce symptoms of depression. In this trial, participants in the intervention arm will engage in a park-based physical activity program, including aerobic and resistance training. Meanwhile, the active control group will receive information about park-based physical activity but will not participate in structured sessions. Overall, evidence supports the idea that exercising in parks can be a helpful part of mental health treatment. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Gina M Besenyi, MPH, PhD

Principal Investigator

Kansas State University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

The PARCS study is for adults with serious mental illness who are part of a community mental health center's peer support program and have been medically cleared to engage in physical activity. It's not suitable for those under 18 or anyone unable to get physician clearance for exercise.

Inclusion Criteria

Authorized for peer group treatment through the behavioral health facility

Medically cleared to participate in physical activity (if indicated by ACSM 11th Edition pre-exercise participation screener)

Exclusion Criteria

Unable to obtain physician clearance (if indicated by ACSM 11th Edition pre-exercise participation screener)

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a 12-week park-based physical activity intervention, including aerobic and resistance training led by certified peer counselors.

12 weeks

3 sessions per week

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in depressive symptoms, feasibility, acceptability, and other health outcomes post-intervention.

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Active Control
• Park-based physical activity

Trial Overview This study tests a park-based physical activity intervention against an active control group to see if it reduces cardiometabolic risk in adults with serious mental illness participating in peer group treatment.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

PARCS is a park-based physical activity intervention including aerobic and resistance training adapted for adults with serious mental illness and led by certified peer counselors as part of peer group mental health recovery services.

Group II: Active Control Active Control 1 Intervention

The active control group will receive information about the importance of park-based PA and a map of local park locations but will not participate in structured park-based PA sessions. Participants in the control group will be invited to participate in park PA sessions after they have completed posttest. Participants in both groups will receive usual care outpatient peer group treatment services, including routine counseling and health and wellness information/activities given by CPSs.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Kansas State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

39

Recruited

13,400+

Augusta University

Collaborator

Trials

219

Recruited

85,900+

Dartmouth College

Collaborator

Trials

93

Recruited

1,415,000+

University of Cincinnati

Collaborator

Trials

442

Recruited

639,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12408091/

The PARCS Pilot Study Randomized Controlled Trial The park-based CPS-led exercise program for peers with SMI seems acceptable and relatively feasible. Further work will replicate these pilot findings, assess ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S175529662200028X

A qualitative exploration of park-based physical activity in ... Park-based physical activity (PA) is associated with positive health outcomes (social support, energy, self-esteem, mood, less depression). Integrating park- ...

3. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05457179?term=AREA%5BConditionSearch%5D(%22Mental%20Disorders%22)&rank=7

Physical Activity to Reduce Cardiometabolic Risk in Adults ... The aim of this project is to trial the protocol of a park-based physical activity (PA) intervention in adults with serious mental illness (SMI) in a community ...

4. profpubs.com profpubs.com/index.php/jheal/article/view/84

The PARCS Pilot Study Randomized Controlled Trial The park-based CPS-led PA program for peers with SMI seems acceptable and relatively feasible. Further work will replicate these findings, ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8498096/

Nature-based outdoor activities for mental and physical health NBIs, specifically gardening, green exercise and nature-based therapy, are effective for improving mental health outcomes in adults.

6. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1755296622000011

Mental health practitioners represent a promising pathway ... This mixed-methods study sought to explore therapists' current practices and beliefs related to physical activity promotion in mental healthcare.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4985073/

Promoting Nature-Based Activity for People With Mental ... Nature-based physical activity programming (eg, countryside walks, hiking, horseback riding) has been found to be an effective way to help improve the health ...

8. iaap-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com iaap-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/aphw.12353

Psychological benefits of outdoor physical activity in natural ... The majority of tests showed greater benefits following green exercise for anxiety, anger/hostility, energy, general affect and engagement, ...