Adapted physical activity in psychiatric care settings

Despite the acknowledged importance of physical activity in promoting psychological benefits, the inclusion of exercise programs in psychiatric care settings is not an applied standard. The aim of this paper is to present a study about the adapted physical activity services organized in psychiatric care setting of Padua district (North East of Italy). An interview with physical activity therapists, nurses, psychologists and psychiatrists, employed in different psychiatric health services was used for this scope. 16 psychiatric structures and 22 adapted physical activity groups, with a total of 150 patients involved, were studied. Three directions to improve the quality of the services were individuated: the amelioration of communication and exchange of information between the different mental health professionals; the concepts of psychiatrists about the effects of exercise and the preparation of adapted physical activity therapists.