Physical Activity in Psychiatric inpatient Institutions In Ciudad de Buenos Aires

Abstract

There is growing evidence on the benefits of physical activity as a tool in treatment and prevention of psychiatric pathologies. The goal of this research is to obtain information on the implementation of physical activity as a therapeutic resource during the psychiatric hospitalization of adults in Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Methodology: A survey was designed to obtain information from each Inpatient adult institution in the aforementioned City on: whether or not physical activity was provided to patients during hospitalization, the reasons, the frequency, characteristics and duration of the activity as well as the benefits observed and / or known by the professionals who answered the survey. Results: 71% of the institutions provide physical activity to their patients, nine are private and three are public. Adherence is higher in private institutions.  The lack of resources and the fact that it is not considered important in psychiatric treatment are among the reasons why they consider that physical activity is not used as a therapeutic tool. Conclusions: Physical activity should be included in the therapeutic tools during psychiatric hospitalization, most of the institutions do include it.