Interventions with physical exercise programs in psychiatric inpatient settings: clinical and formative reflections

Abstract

Background: Psychiatric hospitalization is characterized by high clinical and institutional
complexity, frequently associated with functional impairment and low
levels of physical activity. In this context, structured physical interventions represent
relevant complementary strategies in mental health care. The objective of this study was to report and reflect on the experience of implementing a multimodal physical exercise program in a psychiatric hospital setting, analyzing its clinical, institutional, and educational outcomes. Methods: This is an experience report with a qualitative, descriptive-reflective approach, developed in a philanthropic psychiatric hospital in southern Brazil, in male and female inpatient units. The intervention consisted of a multimodal physical exercise program, carried out twice a week, in the afternoon, over six months. Data production occurred through participant observation, post-session reflective records, and discussions with the multidisciplinary team. Results: Six thematic axes emerged related to adherence, clinical adaptations, social interaction, organization of the institutional routine, interdisciplinary articulation, and the clinical-formative dimension of the intervention. It was evident that the viability of the program was associated with methodological flexibility, continuous clinical reading, and integration with the team. Conclusion: Structured and contextualized physical exercise programs prove to be viable and powerful strategies in hospital mental health care, contributing to improving bodily practices in complex institutional contexts.