The role of sport, exercise, and physical activity in closing the life expectancy gap for people with mental illness: An international consensus statement by Exercise and Sports Science Australia, American College of Sports Medicine, British Association of Sport and Exercise Science, and Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand

Abstract

In the general population, the worldwide pandemic of physical inactivity is responsible for an estimated 13.4 million disability-adjusted life-years, costs the worldwide economy an estimated INT$53.8 billion (1), and is the cause of approximately 9% of premature mortality worldwide (2). People experiencing mental illness represent a particularly vulnerable population at high risk for poor lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity and experience an unacceptable level of early mortality of between 15 and 25 yr (3). People experiencing mental illness engage in significantly lower levels of moderate–vigorous physical activity and spend significantly more time engaging in sedentary behavior (4). A growing number of clinical trials (5,6) demonstrate efficacy of lifestyle interventions including exercise, for both physical and mental health in people with mental illness. However, large-scale translation into routine clinical care has not occurred. This international consensus statement aims to delineate the key factors that must be addressed by key decision makers to increase access to appropriate exercise programs for people with mental illness and subsequently contribute to closing the life expectancy gap.