Service Development and Implementation of an Exercise Therapy Unit in a Psychiatric Hospital in Iran: A Brief Report

According to the existing evidence, physical health in patients with mental disorders is poorer than in the general population. After a comprehensive literature review, we developed and implemented the first structured sports and exercise unit in a psychiatric hospital in Iran. After running workshops and supervision sessions for nurses and personal trainers, we provided a nutrition education program (NEP) alongside a combination of aerobic and resistance exercise three times a week. After unit development, we made several efforts to introduce the services to psychiatrists and residents by sending emails, holding a symposium, and notifications in hospital virtual channel. In about five months, 69 patients were introduced to sports and exercise specialists, 67 were included in exercise therapy, and three high-risk patients were excluded. The age range of participants was 19 - 50 years, and the mean age was 33.54 years. The total number of provided exercise therapy service was 533, and the mean of sessions was eight. The average duration of participation in the program was 24 days. Exercise therapy and lifestyle modification package for patients with mental illness should be integrated into a comprehensive treatment program. Starting this intervention during patients’ admission may lead to more engagement after discharge.