The Investigation of the Effects of Group Exercise Treatment on Psychological Status, Muscle Strength, Respiratory Performance, and Balance Parameters in Hospitalized Patients in Psychiatry Departments: A Randomized Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND

Patients hospitalized in psychiatry departments often experience both psychological distress and physical deconditioning due to reduced activity levels and prolonged stays. Exercise interventions may support recovery by addressing both physical and mental health domains.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effects of group exercise on psychological symptoms, muscle strength, respiratory capacity, and balance in patients hospitalized in the psychiatry department.

METHODS

Forty-six patients with psychiatric disorders were randomly assigned to an exercise group (n = 15) or control group (n = 15). Demographic characteristics were recorded. Functional reach test (dynamic balance), Romberg test (static balance), 30-second chair stand test (lower extremity endurance), handheld dynamometry for quadriceps and deltoid strength, chest mobility, and respiratory patterns were assessed. Psychological symptoms were evaluated using the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). The exercise group received a 14-session group-based program (including breathing, posture, and stretching exercises) in addition to standard medical treatment, while the control group received only medical treatment. All measurements were repeated at the end of two weeks.

RESULTS

Significant improvements were observed in the exercise group in psychological symptom domains, including obsessive-compulsive features, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, and psychoticism (P < 0.05), as well as in muscle strength and respiratory capacity scores (P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant changes were found in balance or lower extremity endurance parameters (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Group-based breathing, posture, and stretching exercises had greater effects on psychological symptoms than on physical performance parameters in psychiatric inpatients. These findings suggest that structured exercise interventions may serve as a valuable adjunct to medical treatment in this population.