Barton, J and Griffin, M and Pretty, J (2012) 'Exercise-, nature- and socially interactive-based initiatives improve mood and self-esteem in the clinical population.' Perspectives in Public Health, 132 (2). 89 - 96. ISSN 1757-9139

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Abstract

Aims: This study evaluated two existing group-based health promotion initiatives (a social club and a swimming group) and compared these to a new green exercise programme (weekly countryside and urban park walks).Methods: Participants represented a clinical population (N = 53) and were all experiencing a range of mental health problems. They only attended one of the three programmes and sessions were held once a week for six weeks in all initiatives. Composite questionnaires incorporating two standardized measures to analyse changes in self-esteem and mood were completed before and after all sessions.Results: A significant main effect for self-esteem and mood pre and post activity (p < 0.001) was reported after participating in a single session. The change in self-esteem was significantly greater in the green exercise group compared with the social activities club (p < 0.001). Dose responses showed that both self-esteem and mood levels improved over the six-week period and improvements were related to attendance in the green exercise group.Conclusions: Green exercise as a health-promoting initiative for people experiencing mental ill health is equally as effective as existing programmes. Combining exercise, nature and social components in future initiatives may play a key role in managing and supporting recovery from mental ill health, suggesting a potential 'green' approach to mental healthcare and promotion. © Royal Society for Public Health 2012 SAGE Publications.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
Divisions:	Faculty of Science and Health > Life Sciences, School of Faculty of Science and Health > Sport, Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, School of
Depositing User:	Jim Jamieson
Date Deposited:	24 Aug 2012 10:23
Last Modified:	20 Aug 2019 23:15
URI:	http://repository.essex.ac.uk/id/eprint/3778

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