THE EFFECTS OF STRUCTURED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON INPATIENTS IN A PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL SETTING - EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE

Abstract

Aim: Research has confirmed the impact of physical activity on mental health. The purpose of this study is to thoroughly examine the influence of structured physical activity on reducing anxiety and improving the mental health of patients in a psychiatric hospital setting. The research goal is to contribute to a better understanding of physical activity as an adjunctive therapeutic method in the treatment of mental disorders.

Methods: An experimental repeated-measures design was employed before and after testing. Patients in the psychiatric hospital were assessed using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) before and after structured physical activity. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, while ANOVA repeated-measures statistical analysis was applied to test the difference between HAM-A results before and after physical activity in terms of anxiety and somatic symptoms.

Results: Research results indicate statistically significant differences in patients' anxiety, including aspects of overall anxiety, tension, and depressive mood, as well as somatic symptoms. This study confirms that structured physical activity reduces anxiety and improves the overall health of patients in stationary psychiatric hospital conditions.

Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that structured physical activity reduces anxiety and enhances the health of patients in a psychiatric hospital environment. The integration of structured physical activity as a therapeutic intervention could complement existing treatment methods. Further research, including randomized studies, is needed to assess the benefits of implementation.