9-week Golf Project Mental health staff was involved in recruiting and publicising the group before study starting. Tangible support was provided including: free transport, entry, equipment and tea, coffee, and biscuits. Also “some” were telephoned before session as a reminder. The golf project was planned by the second author (a PGA golf coach). A staged approach across 9 weeks was undertaken: () social meeting in the café centre with indoor putting instruction and a game, () two introductory sessions within the driving range, () a supported par 3 course session, () a third driving range session, () two supported sessions on the par 3 course, () two free play sessions on the par 3 course.
Focused themes around attendance considering factors that threatened attendance (competition, crossing the bridge, Texas scramble, and time to move on) and factors which encouraged attendance (doing something normal, a safety net, bubbling about golf, a relaxing sport, and caring golf).
Money and transport barriers to autonomous play. A transfer of responsibility occurred and autonomy increased across time. Enthusiasm was demonstrated about golf. The low intensity nature of the sport was valuable. A caring environment and atmosphere was valued. It was important to do something normal.
5-day white water canoe trip in Northern Ontario. Support team included occupational therapist, nurse, and 5 skilled canoe instructors. Days 1-2 2 days for training canoeing strokes, river morphology, camping skills, and safety way to fall into the rapids. Days 2–5 Canoeing down river, camping, and working as a group Semi-interviews were 1-hour long >6 months after experience.
Questions from interviews on critical incidents, interactions with others, emotional experiences, and self-perceptions.
Benefits in three broad categories: the experience of pleasure, belonging, and ability to talk. Challenging activity provided accomplishment and pride. Positive emotions, fun excitement, and fear also. Normalising activity for interactions between staff and patients.
5 (♂ = 4) 3 individuals with schizophrenia. 1 with manic depression and 1 with chronic anxiety.
Interviewing participants who had become part of a football team for individuals with severe and enduring mental illness. Team trained “regularly”. Involved in national tournaments and took part in “Pallastrad” in Italy = team travelled to Italy and participated in football and other sporting events with mental health services users across Europe.
Questions from interview schedule not identified.
Project as a normalising activity and meaningful experience. Importance of accessing a positive identity. Activity benefited positive symptoms. Barriers to participation associated with medication.
11 individuals (♂ = 10) with severe mental health problems
Sports therapy that was undertaken within an NHS trust for a period between 2 months and 4 years. Twice weekly sessions were available including outpatient and inpatient. Sessions included mainly badminton and the fitness gym.
Topics in focus groups included motivations for participation, experiences, perceptions on the role of sports therapy, and their perceived benefits from participation.
Themes included Taking part in that there was value in doing something rather than nothing. Reasons for participation: biopsychosocial reasons were given. Attitudes and opinions: the term therapy was not well liked. Perceived role of sports therapy: it was considered as beneficial on mental health symptoms. Factors affecting participation: classic motivation barriers are noted. Perceived benefits are noted on self-esteem, accomplishment, feeling positive, and being more mentally altert. Improvements for the future: participants identified changes to the program that may be beneficial.
Inpatient table tennis tournament was organised with tangible rewards including trophies, sport shirts and two hats. 4 therapists assisted in the doubles tournaments. Matches were 1 set up to 21 points.
Vignettes of the experience of three patients considered.
When enjoyed and successful, provides a sense of achievement and focus. Potential to cause negative emotions because of losing or being fearful of the experience.
