Cycling to health: a qualitative research study into facilitators and barriers to physical activity take-up amongst those experiencing mental health ill-health

Objective The study explored facilitators and barriers for people experiencing mental ill-health when taking up physical activity. It showed how an innovative cycling programme can be designed to overcome barriers, enabling participants to benefit from increased physical activity.Method Outdoor cycling sessions in small groups were led by experienced leaders. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 35 participants and 12 support workers. Qualitative data were subject to thematic analysis.Results Barriers, such as low motivation, lack of confidence and lack of cycling skills, were overcome, enabling interviewees to participate and derive a range of benefits. Interviewees commonly reported increased self-confidence, self-esteem and motivation as well as feeling less stressed. Increased skills and self-confidence enabled continued cycling either for leisure or to facilitate independence.Discussion Although the positive impact of physical activity on mental well-being is well recognised, people experiencing enduring mental ill-health conditions face a complex range of barriers when taking up exercise. The tailored approach, combined with physical cycling activity, being outdoors and a sense of belonging to a group, was particularly successful at encouraging physical activity. This type of tailored motivational intervention has the potential to encourage individuals experiencing mental ill-health to take up physical activity.