Physical activity as a therapeutic strategy in mental health: an integrative review with implication for nursing care

• Main Authors: Bruno da Silva Lourenço, Maria Angélica de Almeida Peres, Isaura Setenta Porto, Rosane Mara Pontes de Oliveira, Virginia Faria Damásio Dutra
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro 2017-06-01
• Series: Escola Anna Nery
• Subjects: Motor activity; Mental health; Social support; Nursing care
• Online Access: http://revodonto.bvsalud.org/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1414-81452017000300801&lng=en&tlng=en

Abstract This study is an integrative review with the aim to identify and describe the scientific evidence of the practical effect of physical activity in people with mental disorders. For the selection of articles, the databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, Cochrane and Scopus were used. The sample of this review consisted of eight articles. Their analysis resulted in the categories: obesity and metabolic syndrome, specialized nursing, sedentary and healthy lifestyles, support and social network, incentive to the practice of physical activity, and anxiety and physical activity. The benefits to physical health were partially elucidated by the sample. The implications for nursing care arise from the therapeutic efficacy of physical activity by people with mental disorders, adding individual and collective benefits that provide socialization and promotion of well-being.