Researchers in Dublin tested a 10-week exercise and nutrition program designed specifically for women experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. Thirty-three women participated in the program, which combined gentle exercise with protein supplements. The results were encouraging: women showed improvements in strength, balance, pain levels, and mental health. The program was also safe and most women stuck with it. The study suggests that exercise programs designed with flexibility and understanding of trauma can help vulnerable women improve their physical and mental health, even when they face serious life challenges.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a 10-week exercise and protein supplement program could safely help women experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health problems get stronger and healthier.
  • Who participated: 33 women who were experiencing homelessness and dealing with addiction and/or mental health challenges. They attended a women-only day service in Dublin, Ireland.
  • Key finding: Women who completed the program showed meaningful improvements in leg strength (measured by how many times they could stand up from a chair), balance (standing on one leg), pain levels, and mental health scores. The program was safe, and most women who started finished the program.
  • What it means for you: If you or someone you know is struggling with homelessness, addiction, or mental health issues, exercise programs designed with understanding and flexibility may help improve physical strength, reduce pain, and boost mental wellbeing. However, this is an early-stage study with a small group, so more research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.

The Research Details

This was a mixed-methods feasibility study, which means researchers used both numbers (like strength measurements) and personal stories (interviews) to understand if the program worked and could realistically be delivered. The study took place at a women’s day service in Dublin that helps people with homelessness and addiction issues. Women participated in a 10-week program called LEAP-W (Low-threshold Exercise And Protein supplementation for Women) that included gentle exercise sessions and protein supplements to help with nutrition. Before and after the program, researchers measured things like how strong women’s legs were, their balance, pain levels, and overall health. They also interviewed women and staff members about their experiences with the program.

This research approach is important because it tests whether a program can actually work in real-world settings with real people facing serious challenges. Rather than just measuring numbers, the researchers also listened to what women and staff said about the program, which helps explain why it worked or didn’t work. This mixed approach gives a fuller picture of whether the program is practical and helpful.

This is an early-stage feasibility study, which means it’s designed to test if something can work, not to prove it definitely does. The sample size of 33 women is small, so results should be viewed as promising but not definitive. The study was published in BMJ Open, a respected medical journal. The researchers used standard, validated measurement tools for strength, balance, and health. The inclusion of qualitative interviews (listening to people’s stories) strengthens the research by providing context. However, because there was no comparison group of women who didn’t do the program, we can’t be completely certain the improvements were caused by the exercise program alone.

What the Results Show

The program proved to be feasible and safe. Of the 33 women who started, a high percentage completed the program, showing good retention. Women showed measurable improvements in leg strength—they could stand up from a chair more times after the program. Balance also improved, measured by how long women could stand on one leg. Pain levels decreased noticeably. Mental health scores improved significantly, with women reporting better overall quality of life and mental wellbeing. These improvements were statistically significant, meaning they were unlikely to have happened by chance. The program was well-accepted by participants, and no serious safety problems occurred.

Beyond the main measurements, qualitative interviews revealed three important themes. First, women described ’the power of exercise’—they felt stronger, more energetic, and more confident. Second, researchers identified ‘challenges to engagement,’ such as the difficulty of maintaining consistent attendance when dealing with homelessness and other life stressors. Third, women appreciated ’the LEAP approach,’ specifically mentioning that the program was trauma-informed (staff understood the effects of past trauma) and low-threshold (flexible and non-judgmental, not requiring extensive paperwork or prerequisites). These insights suggest that how a program is delivered matters as much as what it includes.

Previous research has shown that people experiencing homelessness often have poor physical health, weakness, and frailty—conditions usually seen in much older people. This study adds to growing evidence that exercise can help vulnerable populations improve their health. However, most previous research focused on older adults or people in stable housing. This study is notable because it specifically targets women with multiple overlapping challenges (homelessness, addiction, mental health issues), a group that hasn’t been extensively studied. The finding that a trauma-informed, flexible approach works well is consistent with recent research emphasizing the importance of understanding trauma in vulnerable populations.

The study is small with only 33 participants, so results may not apply to all women in similar situations. There was no comparison group—researchers didn’t have a group of similar women who didn’t do the program to compare against. This makes it harder to know if improvements were definitely caused by the program or by other factors. The study lasted only 10 weeks, so we don’t know if benefits last longer. The study took place in one location in Dublin, so results might differ in other cities or countries. Some women may have dropped out before the program ended, and we don’t know how they would have done. Finally, the study didn’t measure whether women maintained the exercise habits after the program ended.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, exercise programs designed specifically for women experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges appear promising and should be considered as part of comprehensive support services. Programs should be trauma-informed (understanding past trauma), low-threshold (flexible and accessible), and include nutritional support. However, because this is an early-stage study, these recommendations should be viewed as ‘promising but needing more research’ rather than definitive. Healthcare providers and social services should consider piloting similar programs while gathering more data. Confidence level: Moderate—the results are encouraging but based on a small study.

Women experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges should know that exercise programs designed for their specific needs may help them feel stronger and better mentally. Family members and advocates for homeless populations should care because this suggests exercise can be a valuable part of support services. Healthcare providers, social workers, and organizations serving homeless populations should pay attention because this shows a practical, safe intervention that women accept and benefit from. Policymakers should care because this suggests investing in exercise programs for vulnerable populations may improve health outcomes. People without these challenges should care because it demonstrates the importance of tailored, trauma-informed approaches to health.

Based on this 10-week study, women showed measurable improvements in strength and mental health within that timeframe. However, we don’t know how long benefits last after the program ends. Realistically, you might expect to notice improvements in strength and energy within 4-6 weeks of regular participation, with mental health benefits potentially appearing within 2-3 weeks. To maintain benefits, ongoing exercise would likely be necessary. Longer-term studies are needed to understand lasting effects.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly attendance at exercise sessions and daily protein intake (grams per day). Also track a simple strength measure: count how many times you can stand up from a chair in 30 seconds, and monitor this weekly. Additionally, rate your pain level (0-10 scale) and mood (0-10 scale) daily.
  • Set a specific goal to attend exercise sessions at least 3 times per week. Use the app to log each session attended and set reminders for session times. Track protein intake by logging meals and snacks, aiming for a target amount per day. Use the app’s mood tracker to notice patterns between exercise participation and mental health improvements.
  • Create a weekly dashboard showing: (1) sessions attended vs. sessions offered, (2) average daily protein intake, (3) weekly strength test results (chair stand count), (4) average pain rating, and (5) average mood rating. Review trends monthly to see if consistency with exercise correlates with improvements in pain and mood. Share progress with program staff or a health coach for accountability and support.

This research is a small feasibility study and should not be considered definitive medical advice. The findings are promising but based on 33 participants over 10 weeks. If you are experiencing homelessness, addiction, or mental health challenges, please consult with healthcare providers, social workers, or counselors who can assess your individual situation and recommend appropriate treatment. Exercise programs should be started gradually and under appropriate supervision, especially if you have existing health conditions. This study does not replace professional medical care, mental health treatment, or addiction services. Always speak with a healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program.