«From circus to victory»: Experiences with physical activity from people with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. An interview study

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the experiences the target group had with physical activity as a physiotherapy intervention. Design, material and method: Six qualitative interviews were analyzed by Kirsti Malteruds´ principles of systematic text condensation (STC). This study was based on the biopsychosocial model of understanding (BPSS). Findings: Four categories described what the training group led to. 1) To change focus contributed to stop negative thoughts. The experience of being tired in a new way resulted in a calmer everyday life. 2) To have continuous routines created predictability, and the experience of being expected made attending manageable. 3) To be a part of a community gave a feeling of affiliation, even though exclusion was felt occasionally. 4) An experience of victory created a belief in facing, and managing other challenges in life. Conclusion: The findings gave an understanding of physical activity as an important impact in the patients’ lives (biologically, psychologically and socially). Physiotherapists can be an important part in the process of further developing the treatment for a group in need of a closer follow-up offer.

Keywords

• co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders
• physiotherapy
• exercise and the biopsychosocial model