A Formative Assessment Of Exercise Resources, Programs And Personnel In U.S. Residential Treatment Programs

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is emerging evidence for the efficacy of exercise as a treatment strategy for Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and that this population desires exercise programming during their treatment. However, little is known about whether or not Residential Treatment Programs (RTPs) are equipped with resources to support exercise implementation. Our goal was to identify resources and barriers within U.S. RTPs to inform exercise program implementation within this setting. METHODS: A listing of short- and long-term U.S. RTPs, meeting the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s level of care standards from 3.5 to 3.7, was downloaded from the SAMHSA Find a Treatment Center search tool. For each state, RTPs were organized into three lists (short-term, long-term, or both). These lists were randomized using a random sequence generator. Individuals in supervisory level positions from the first 25% of each list were contacted for an interview. The interview assessed the RTPs resources (support, space, time equipment, and personnel) and barriers. RESULTS: Of the 50 program supervisors that responded, 84% reported that their RTPs were “somewhat” or “very” supportive of exercise programming at their facility. Nearly all (98%) reported having either mandatory or optional daily exercise time in their schedules, 96% had either indoor or outdoor space for exercise, and 94% reported having some form of exercise equipment. The most common equipment was: sport accessories (82% of RTPs), other fitness equipment, such as medicine balls or bands (70%), followed by aerobic (58%) and strength training (56%) equipment. Only 20 programs (40%) employed staff, full or part-time, to provide exercise programming. The most common barriers in offering exercise programming were money and/or budget constraints (54% of RTPs) and space (26%). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that a majority of RTPs provide support, as well as adequate time, space, and equipment, for exercise programming for clients seeking SUD treatment. One potential area of improvement is a greater need for trained staff devoted to implementing these exercise programs and utilizing existing resources. Given the association between exercise and improvements in mental health and substance use, RTPs may serve as an ideal location to implement exercise programming.