Correlates of Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Racially and Ethnically Diverse People with Serious Mental Illness in Supportive Housing

We examined demographic, health, and mental health correlates of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in racially and ethnically diverse people with serious mental illness (SMI) living in supportive housing. We used baseline data from 314 people with SMI enrolled in a randomized effectiveness trial of a peer-led healthy lifestyle intervention. Sedentary behavior and physical activity were measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. CRF was measured with the 6-min walking test (6MWT). Correlates were identified via ordinary least squares and logistic regressions. Participants were mostly male and racial/ethnic minorities. Thirty-four percent engaged in at least 150-min-per-week of at least moderate-intensity physical activity. On average, participants walked 316.8 m in the 6MWT. Our models show that physical activity and CRF were not evenly distributed in racially and ethnically diverse people with SMI and are associated with multiple demographic, mental health, and health factors. Our findings suggest subgroups and factors that can be targeted to develop health interventions to improve the physical health of people with SMI.