Outside 2

Outside 2

There are a growing number of personal accounts that show that outdoor swimming could have a positive impact on symptoms of depression and other mental health difficulties. To find out if outdoor swimming does have an impact on depression, we want to undertake a research study called a randomised control trial (RCT). 

The main aim of this study is to find out if participants who attend an outdoor swimming course show an improvement in symptoms of depression compared with participants in the control group. During the trial, one group will receive their usual care, and the other group will receive an 8-session outdoor coaching swimming course as well as their usual care. The ‘usual care’ group will receive the swimming course after the trial.

We will also be exploring if there are differences in anxiety and mindfulness between the two groups. In addition, we will be trying to better understand the experience of outdoor swimming by inviting participants on the swim courses to share their reflections or thoughts about what the experience is like. 

Study design: Randomised controlled trial

Disease area: Mental Health

Trial status: Recruiting

Chief Investigators: Dr Heather Massey & Prof Clara Strauss

Sponsor: Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Funder: NIHR 

Start date: January 2024

End date: June 2026

Recruitment target: 480

Summary of study results: N/A