Happy Healthy Strong
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Happy Healthy Strong: A feasibility trial looking at using community-based psychoeducation and fitness groups to improve mental health in males
IRAS ID
301427
Contact name
Victoria Laker
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 2 days
Research summary
As a result of declining mental health and physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, a small team at a Lincolnshire strength and conditioning gym decided to develop a project aimed at men who may be experiencing mental health difficulties. This project used social psychoeducation groups to increase their knowledge of common mental health problems, and the causes of these issues, and how they may combat them. This was combined with a strength and conditioning physical activity session run by a qualified personal trainer. The aim was to improve mental health, physical activity and also to improve social connections. People who attended the group would be encouraged to stay on and mentor others who joined and also become mental health first aiders, but neither were compulsory. The long-term aim being to expand this group to include everyone, and a variety of physical activity centres such as other gyms, yoga studios, dance studios and other types of fitness centres. The material was initially devised for face-to-face work but due to COVID-19 restrictions, it has been adapted for online content also. This has an added benefit of boosting confidence for those not ready to enter a gym yet, and also allows for the reduction in pressure due to the anonymity of not being in a face-to-face session. This research aims to test whether this approach has the benefit of reducing common mental health problems in men, as well as boosting physical activity, all in a community setting, delivered by members of the community.
REC name
South Central - Oxford B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SC/0227
Date of REC Opinion
23 Aug 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion