EFFECTIVENESS OF A PROGRAM OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS MENTAL DISORDER

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of a physical activity and sport program for 28 individuals with Severe Mental Disorders (SMD). An assessment was made before the start of the program and again after four months which included the measurement of anthropometric variables, functional physical ability, balance and coordination as well as social functioning and capacity to engage in activities of daily living. The results showed statistically significant improvements in those who attended more than 50% of the sessions on all of the anthropometric variables, functional physical capacity and motor variables, as well as on the Scale of Personal and Social Functioning (SPSF). Moreover, attendance in the program was high, with 80% of the initial participants maintaining their involvement over the duration of the intervention. The importance of the results and the need to implement future such interventions in the SMD population is discussed.