A naturalistic study on physioterapy in acute psychiatric service

Introduction There is clear evidence on the physical and psychological benefits of a bodily approach for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. They can have a significant impact on the patient’s perceived suffering (Carek et al. IJPM 2011; 41(1) 15–28). In January 2024, a Physiotherapy Project started at the Acute Psychiatric Service of the Rieti ASL in collaboration with the Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine service. Objectives Evaluate the impact of the physiotherapy program on psychopathological dimensions and on the patients subjective well-being. Methods The naturalistic study was conducted on subjects consecutively hospitalized at the SPDC from January to June 2024 who voluntarily joined the physiotherapy activity. The intervention was administered with bi-weekly sessions of about 45 minutes and included: stretching, orientation exercises, active movement, coordination, muscle strengthening. The Exclusion Criteria were: sedation status, disorganization, behavioral problems. The General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) were adminstred at admission (T0) and discharge (T1). A Self-evaluation of the useful of the program was administred only to discarege (T1): participants answered by choosing between “not useful”, “partly useful”, “very useful” to 4 questions on the usefullness of the intervention. Results Thirty-five participants (17 M, 18 F; mean age 38.2±15,4) were admitted to physical activity. They recieved the following diagnoses: 48.6% Psychotic Disorder, 20% Depressive Disorder, 2.9% Bipolar Disorder, 28.6% Personality Disorder. Eleven of 35 participants had comorbid substance use disorder (14.3% alcohol, 5.7% cocaine, 5.7% cannabis, 2.9% opioids, 2.9% other substances). The hospitalization time was 11.8±4.3 and the average number of physical sessions was 1.7±0.8. The BPRS (44.4±11vs25.9±4.5; F=1024.25; p<0.001) and GHQ-12 (24.6±4.9vs15.11±5.8; F=833,43; p<0.001) mean scores significant improved in two time of evaluation (T0 and T1). Conclusions Participants showed a reduction in psychopathological severity and an increase in perceived well-being between T0 and T1. They found useful to practice physioterapy during hospitalozation and to manage anxiety, muscle relaxation and mood improvement. Disclosure of Interest None Declared