PARCS Pilot Study Randomized Controlled Trial

Adults with serious mental illness (SMI) die decades early, mostly from heart disease. Few park-based physical activity (PA) interventions have been tested, none focused on SMI. The study (NCT05293587) tested a 6-week PA intervention (INT; 45 min park-based PA led by a certified peer specialist (CPS) 3 days/week) vs. waitlist control (WAIT), as part of an existing peer support program for adults with SMI. Eighteen peers (44±15 yrs, 28% female, 72% Black, 17% Hispanic, 33% with diabetes) were randomized (6 INT, 12 WAIT). One CPS was trained to lead PA sessions, supported by a certified fitness instructor at each session. 10 sessions were conducted in each cohort, up to 2 per week. Transportation was provided as part of peer services. INT peers attended 69±22% of sessions. INT peers attended 100% of sessions when they were present at the peer support program, except for one peer on 2 occasions (improper footwear, medication side effect). Ten peers (6 INT, 4 WAIT) Peers were highly satisfied with the park sessions and highly motivated to participate. The CPS who led the sessions expressed satisfaction. While not significant, compared to baseline, INT peers had increased fitness, hemodynamics, and depression symptoms, and social support for exercise at post. The park-based CPS-led PA program for peers with SMI seems acceptable and relatively feasible. Further work will replicate these findings, assess health outcomes and optimize feasibility and scalability to existing mental health services.