[Physical activity in psychiatry: a practical guide for clinicians on patient communication about physical activity, exercise, and sport].

Abstract

Mental disorders are often associated with a significantly reduced level of physical activity, leading to inactivity rates of 40-86%. This is concerning, as physical activity not only has well-documented positive effects on physical health but also represents an evidence-based, cost-effective, and low-risk treatment option for psychiatric disorders. However, exercise remains insufficiently integrated into psychiatric care, partly due to barriers among healthcare providers and patients. The most common barriers reported by patients include fatigue, uncertainty, and financial constraints, while lack of time plays a less significant role.This review examines the scientific evidence supporting exercise as a therapeutic intervention - "Exercise is Medicine®" - for psychiatric disorders and highlights its effectiveness across a wide range of conditions, from anxiety disorders to obsessive-compulsive disorders. Furthermore, it explores the "knowledge-action gap" between existing research and clinical implementation, providing practical recommendations based on Motivational Interviewing techniques. In addition to distinguishing between the concepts of physical activity, exercise, sport, and exercise therapy, this article presents recommendations for physical activity, behavior change techniques, a structured counseling guide, and an informational flyer for patients.The aim of this article is to establish exercise as an integral component of psychiatric treatment and facilitate its implementation in clinical practice. By integrating physical activity, not only can quality of life and mental health be improved, but health disparities can also be reduced. This article offers evidence-based recommendations and practical strategies for promoting physical activity in psychiatric care.