People facing homelessness and addiction respond positively to exercise programmes – research

People experiencing homelessness and addiction will engage with targeted health services – such as exercise classes – if they are designed in a way which makes them accessible, new Irish research has found.

The study, which involved the trial of a 16-week fitness programme, found that almost half of participants returned after their first class, while those who were older, female, and more stable in addiction returned frequently, and engaged positively with the programme.

As part of the research, a multi-disciplinary team based in Trinity College Dublin explored the feasibility of an exercise intervention to target physical functioning and frailty in people experiencing homelessness and addiction.

A flexibly designed 16-week ‘drop in’ exercise programme with protein supplementation took place in Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI) in Dublin City Centre.

Almost 70 per cent of participants were homeless while taking part, with the remainder either deemed as vulnerably housed, or having had a history of homelessness. Almost half reported having a substance abuse disorder.

The researchers found that a targeted exercise programme was safe, feasible, and positively received by people who are homeless, with a proportion returning frequently.

The group engaged with health-promoting services when designed in a way which made them accessible. However, there was a low return rate from people who were experiencing more active addiction issues.

“Everyone, regardless of their circumstances, should have an opportunity to improve their physical health by taking part in suitably designed exercise programmes,” said research lead Dr Julie Broderick.

“We ensured the programme was fun and enjoyable, with music playing and as much light-hearted banter as possible. It was a positive focus for participants, and the benefits were far-reaching.

“Anecdotally, it was reported that some participants ‘used’ less substances or started using later in the day, and that engaging in this programme was a small positive step as part of their recovery journey.

“If nothing else, exercise can be a positive distraction from daily life struggles and is a behaviour to be encouraged where possible,” she added.

“Providing a flexibly designed drop-in exercise programme in Merchants Quay Ireland meant it was accessible and reduced barriers to entry. Showing how meaningful the programme was, one participant said, ‘it’s like a free drug’ and another said ‘you feel you have done something for the day’.”

Since completing the first exercise programme, the research team has run a second, more intensive course, and are currently analysing the results of this intervention. A specific ‘women’s only’ programme is currently underway.

The findings from the first exercise programme can be read in the journal PLOS One.