Introduction The aim of the study was to individuate the characteristics of motor activity that improve health and autonomy in psychiatric patients. As is evident from numerous reports, physical activity has positive benefits in terms of prevention and therapy in psychiatric pathologies (Artal, 1998 - Hale, 2002 – Morgan, 1997 – Carraro, 1996 – Phillips, 2003). Despite these findings, physical activity is still not widely employed as a therapeutic tool. The benefits of physical activity do not appear to be limited to selected types of exercise, but rather, are conferred by a wide range of activities and modalities (aerobic, muscular tonification, articular mobility). Some studies have indicated that improvements in psychiatric pathologies may occur without significant increases in aerobic performance, although the physiological mechanisms behind motor activity improvements on psychiatric pathologies is still not well-understood. Considering present knowledge, we formulated a research protocol based on the hypothesis that Fitness Therapy can offer physical, cognitive, and emotional experiences that might help patients in obtaining better self-awareness and self-acceptance of one's body and motor abilities. This would improve self-perception, self-esteem, physical conditions, and utilization of the surrounding environment. Methodology A total of 224 patients with an age between 17 to 70 years affected by personality disturbances as well as depressive and sleep disorders were included in the study. The average admission time was 26.8 ± 12.4 days. Upon admission and discharge, patients were subjected to a psychiatric evaluation scale (BPRS – BDI – WHODAS II) and an evaluation protocol for motor ability. The experimental group was composed of 31 patients selected by request of the curing physician or by the patient himself. The control group was composed of the remaining patient population that was present during the same period. Conclusions The fitness program was demonstrated to be useful and had no contraindications in patients undergoing psychiatric therapy. Even if no statistically significant differences were noted between the control and fitness therapy groups, psychiatric sessions revealed an important gratification of the physical experience during the hospital stay that may favour greater adherence to therapeutic protocols. This research should be considered at an initial phase that merits further exploration in psychiatric medicine. Other efforts must also be done in more specific pathologic contexts using more sophisticated instruments of physical assessment.

The efficiency of motor activity in Psychiatry: An experimental clinical study

LANZA, Massimo;
2005-01-01

Abstract

Introduction The aim of the study was to individuate the characteristics of motor activity that improve health and autonomy in psychiatric patients. As is evident from numerous reports, physical activity has positive benefits in terms of prevention and therapy in psychiatric pathologies (Artal, 1998 - Hale, 2002 – Morgan, 1997 – Carraro, 1996 – Phillips, 2003). Despite these findings, physical activity is still not widely employed as a therapeutic tool. The benefits of physical activity do not appear to be limited to selected types of exercise, but rather, are conferred by a wide range of activities and modalities (aerobic, muscular tonification, articular mobility). Some studies have indicated that improvements in psychiatric pathologies may occur without significant increases in aerobic performance, although the physiological mechanisms behind motor activity improvements on psychiatric pathologies is still not well-understood. Considering present knowledge, we formulated a research protocol based on the hypothesis that Fitness Therapy can offer physical, cognitive, and emotional experiences that might help patients in obtaining better self-awareness and self-acceptance of one's body and motor abilities. This would improve self-perception, self-esteem, physical conditions, and utilization of the surrounding environment. Methodology A total of 224 patients with an age between 17 to 70 years affected by personality disturbances as well as depressive and sleep disorders were included in the study. The average admission time was 26.8 ± 12.4 days. Upon admission and discharge, patients were subjected to a psychiatric evaluation scale (BPRS – BDI – WHODAS II) and an evaluation protocol for motor ability. The experimental group was composed of 31 patients selected by request of the curing physician or by the patient himself. The control group was composed of the remaining patient population that was present during the same period. Conclusions The fitness program was demonstrated to be useful and had no contraindications in patients undergoing psychiatric therapy. Even if no statistically significant differences were noted between the control and fitness therapy groups, psychiatric sessions revealed an important gratification of the physical experience during the hospital stay that may favour greater adherence to therapeutic protocols. This research should be considered at an initial phase that merits further exploration in psychiatric medicine. Other efforts must also be done in more specific pathologic contexts using more sophisticated instruments of physical assessment.
2005
9788890203008
Attività fisica; sport; psichiatria
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11562/242629
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