Integrating Physical Fitness Assessment into Mental and Behavioral Health Research for Substance Use Recovery: Methods, Tools, and Applications for Social Work Scholars

Physical activity has emerged as a promising supplemental strategy within mental and behavioral health research on substance use recovery. Yet, many social work researchers are less familiar with the research methods and assessment tools used to measure physical activity in these contexts. This interactive workshop aims to build capacity among social work scholars to design, implement, and evaluate interventions that incorporate physical fitness as both a target and mechanism for improving mental health outcomes in those with substance use histories. Drawing from a recent scoping review of research methods for assessing outcomes using physical activity within mental and behavioral health interventions, this workshop will provide participants with a practical overview of study designs, measurement tools, and real-world applications relevant to social work research. The session will begin with a brief presentation highlighting key research designs used - including quasi-experimental, and qualitative approaches - and how these designs help establish the relationship between physical activity and mental health outcomes such as anxiety, depression, stress; and physical activity and substance use specific outcomes - reduced cravings, reduced use, and increased days abstinent. Next, participants will be introduced to a range of assessment tools, from self-report measures (e.g., activity diaries, standardized questionnaires) to direct observation methods and physiological fitness assessments. We will explore both strengths and limitations of these tools, including issues of recall bias, generalizability, and the importance of mixed-methods approaches to capture subjective and objective experiences of exercise. We will also explore use of the physiological measure of Heart Rate Variability and how it is linked to improved stress coping and improved outcomes in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment. Special attention will be given to ethical and methodological challenges in this research, including sampling bias, long-term adherence, and considerations for diverse and marginalized populations often served by social work practitioners and researchers. Using small-group activities, participants will then apply this knowledge to case scenarios, selecting appropriate study designs and fitness assessment tools to answer different research questions related to mental health, substance use recovery, and physical activity. Case examples will include settings such as treatment facilities, clinical settings, criminal justice settings, and telehealth-based interventions. Finally, the workshop will feature an open discussion of future directions for integrating physical activity into social work research, including: -The role of trauma-informed exercise interventions -Technology-enabled assessments (e.g., wearables, apps) -Strategies for promoting adherence and engagement -Ethical considerations when working with vulnerable populations -The need for environmental and structural supports to sustain behavior change By the end of the session, participants will leave with: -An overview of current research methods for assessing physical fitness in mental and behavioral health interventions -Practical tools and resources to guide their own research design and measurement decisions -A critical understanding of the complexities of studying physical fitness within diverse populations and real-world settings. This workshop is well-suited for social work researchers at all levels who are interested in integrating physical activity into their intervention research, evaluation studies, or community-engaged scholarship. No prior experience in exercise science or fitness assessment is required.