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Hirschbeck A, Kossmann D, Schwegler H, Greiner SK, Hasan A, Roeh A. Implementing exercise recommendations into clinical practice-new findings from mental health professionals' and patients' perspectives in a university psychiatric setting. Front Sports Act Living 2024; 6:1336356. [PMID: 38832308 PMCID: PMC11144853 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1336356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction To date, concrete recommendations for physical activity in psychiatric treatments are limited. Thus, we evaluated knowledge, barriers and beliefs associated with exercise prescription of mental health professionals (MHP) to people with mental illnesses. We aimed to identify patients' barriers to exercise participation and to work out options addressing these barriers. Methods In our cross-sectional and questionnaire-based investigation, we recruited medical, nursing and therapeutic staff and patients of a psychiatric clinic by email and personal contact. Questionnaires contained the German versions of The Exercise in Mental Illness Questionnaire (EMIQ-G) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ). Results We included 100 MHP and 100 patients. MHP had significantly more knowledge regarding positive effects of exercise on general health than patients. Exercise was prescribed mostly (48.4%) or always (37.9%) by MHP. The data showed missing education in exercise prescriptions and different recommendation behavior. Male patients seemed to experience exercise more often as a positive distraction and had lower physical health barriers than females. Discussion Physical activity needs to be more integrated in psychiatric treatments. Some strategies as educating MHP and patients regarding potential benefits of exercise via psychoeducative brochures and adapting recommendations to individual symptoms could improve exercise behavior in psychiatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hirschbeck
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, Bezirkskrankenhaus Augsburg, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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Petzold MB, Betzler F, Plag J, Ströhle A, Bendau A. Advising activity-knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding the recommendation of physical activity in clinical psychologists. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-024-01819-7. [PMID: 38714563 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-024-01819-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regular physical activity comes with multiple benefits for physical but also mental health and can be a pivotal element in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders. Clinical psychologists play an important role in supporting their patients in increasing physical activity levels. Up to date, there is only little research on recommendation of physical activity in psychologists worldwide and no such research for psychologists in Germany. Aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors regarding physical activity in psychologists in Germany. METHODS We assessed knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors regarding physical activity among a sample of clinical psychologists in Germany using the "Exercise in Mental Illness Questionnaire-German" (EMIQ-G) in a cross-sectional online survey. RESULTS 454 participants were included in the analysis. Participants reported moderate levels of knowledge and self-confidence in recommending physical activity. Only 14% of the participants received formal training regarding physical activity recommendation. Most participants recommended physical activity to their patients, primarily through personal discussions and referrals to exercise professionals. About one third did not give any recommendations regarding intensity. Strength training was only recommended by a minority. CONCLUSION There is a need for greater integration of information and instructions regarding the recommendation of physical activity in the treatment of people with mental disorders in the training and further education of psychologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Bruno Petzold
- Department of Psychology, Medical School Berlin, Mecklenburgische Str. 57, 14197, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Felix Betzler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Plag
- Department of Medicine, Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
- Oberberg Fachklinik Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Andreas Ströhle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Antonia Bendau
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Mental Health and Behavioral Medicine, HMU Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
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Bendau A, Petzold MB, Kaminski J, Plag J, Ströhle A. Exercise as Treatment for "Stress-Related" Mental Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:420-436. [PMID: 37779399 PMCID: PMC10845075 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666230927103308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The beneficial impact of physical activity on preventing and treating mental disorders has captured growing (research) interest. This article aims to provide a concise overview of essential evidence regarding the effectiveness and underlying mechanisms of physical activity for individuals with mental disorders clustered as "stress-related" conditions. Empirical findings (e.g., longitudinalprospective studies, interventional randomized-controlled-trials, reviews, meta-analyses) regarding the effects of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of stress-related mental disorders are summarized. Furthermore, potential mechanisms underlying these effects are discussed, and recommendations regarding the use of physical activity are outlined. The majority of studies indicate good efficacy of physical activity in prospectively lowering the risk for the incidence of subsequent stress-related mental disorders as well as in the treatment of manifest disorders. Most evidence targets unipolar depressive disorder and, secondly, anxiety disorders. Research regarding posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and somatoform disorders is promising but scarce. Physical activity seems to be useful as a stand-alone-treatment as well as in combination with other psychotherapeutic or pharmacological treatments. Multiple intertwined physiological, psychological, and social mechanisms are assumed to mediate the beneficial effects. Recommendations regarding physical activity can orientate on official guidelines but should consider the individual needs and circumstances of each subject. In summary, physical activity seems to be effective in the prevention and treatment of stressrelated mental disorders and, therefore, should be fostered in healthcare-settings. Future studies are needed to clarify partly inconsistent patterns of results and to close research gaps, e.g., concerning somatoform disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Bendau
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, CCM, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- HMU Health and Medical University Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Moritz Bruno Petzold
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, CCM, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychology, MSB Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Kaminski
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, CCM, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Plag
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, CCM, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- HMU Health and Medical University Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- Oberberg Fachklinik Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Andreas Ströhle
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, CCM, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
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Bendau A, Petzold M, Ströhle A. Bewegung, körperliche Aktivität und Sport bei depressiven Erkrankungen. NEUROTRANSMITTER 2022. [PMCID: PMC8852946 DOI: 10.1007/s15016-021-9343-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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