"Creative Arts Interventions for Stress Management and Prevention—A Systematic Review" Stress is one of the world’s largest health problems, leading to exhaustion, burnout, anxiety, a weak immune system, or even organ damage. In Germany, stress-induced work absenteeism costs about 20 billion Euros per year. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Central Federal Association of the public Health Insurance Funds in Germany ascribes particular importance to stress prevention and stress management as well as health enhancing measures. Building on current integrative and embodied stress theories, Creative Arts Therapies (CATs) or arts interventions are an innovative way to prevent stress and improve stress management. CATs encompass art, music, dance/movement, and drama therapy as their four major modalities. In order to obtain an overview of CATs and arts interventions’ efficacy in the context of stress reduction and management, we conducted a systematic review with a search in the following data bases: Academic Search Complete, ERIC, Medline, Psyndex, PsycINFO and SocINDEX. Studies were included employing the PICOS principle and rated according to their evidence level. We included 37 studies, 73% of which were randomized controlled trials. 81.1% of the included studies reported a significant reduction of stress in the participants due to interventions of one of the four arts modalities.

"Efficacy and safety of meditative movement therapies in fibromyalgia syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials." A systematic review with meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of meditative movement therapies (Qigong, Tai Chi and Yoga) in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) was carried out. We screened Clinicaltrials.Gov, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, PubMed and Scopus (through December 2010) and the reference sections of original studies for meditative movement therapies (MMT) in FMS. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing MMT to controls were analysed. Outcomes of efficacy were pain, sleep, fatigue, depression and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Effects were summarized using standardized mean differences (SMD [95% confidence interval]). Outcomes of safety were drop out because of adverse events and serious adverse events. A total of 7 out of 117 studies with 362 subjects and a median of 12 sessions (range 8–24) were included.

This study addresses the impact of non-goal-directed improvisational dance versus goal-directed improvisational dance in reducing perceived stress and improving well-being, general self-efficacy, and body self-efficacy. Fifty-seven students participated either in the experimental condition (N = 30) or in the control condition (N = 27). Participants in the experimental group (EG) performed non-goal-directed improvisational dance movements, while participants in the control group (CG) improvised to the same music in a goal-directed way with the help of colored paper sheets serving as targets.

Refugees often suffer from complex trauma including persecution in their home countries, flight, and disadvantaged conditions of life in the host country. The body is directly involved in these traumatic experiences. Dance/movement therapy allows for the treatment of complex psychological trauma (torture, rape, war experiences) and contributes to the healing process directly on a body level. The complex traumata in the life of refugees require creative therapeutic interventions on different levels.

Aims: Summarize the evidence that support effectiveness of long-term exercise interventions in improving cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms among patients with preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. Added value: Proof that physical exercise contributes positively to the mental well – being of the person without the side effects medication has. Target Group: Individuals with MCI OR AD. Type of physical activity: Aerobic exercise programs with moderate to high – intensity on mild AD patients.

Aim: Investigation of the effectiveness of long-term exercise interventions in improving cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Added Value: The use of RCI analysis, contributing to a more personalized approach, gaining insight into which persons with dementia are most likely to be positively benefited from physical activity interventions. Target Group: Individuals with mild moderate dementia aged 60 years or above.

Aims: The examination of the psychophysiological effects of Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) and physical exercise for older individuals with dementia. Added Value: Confirmation that the DMT contributes positively towards various aspects of functioning in older adults with declining cognitive abilities. Heart rates of the participants were monitored throughout the entire intervention sessions using portable heart rate monitors to maintain a similar level of exercise exertion in both groups. Target Group: Older adults with a clinical diagnosis of dementia (DSM IV) or mild neurocognitive disorder (DSM V).

population of older adults with major depression. The Hesiod initiative includes weekly group meetings of hexameter recitation and physical exercise aimed at improving postural stability and breathing through recitation

Aims: The examination of a cognitive neuroprotective effect of exercise in people with MCI and Dementia through meta –analyses of published evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Added Value: The paper reviews a large number of both animal and human studies in order to shed a light on physical exercise as a prophylactic and perhaps disease-slowing treatment of neurodegenerative and age-related dementia and MCI. Target Group: Animals, healthy seniors, people with MCI and Dementia.

Aims: The examination of the dose-response relationship between exercise dose-parameters (program and session duration, frequency, intensity) and cognitive function (global cognition, executive function, memory) in adults with and without cognitive impairments through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Added Value: The quantification of the dose response relationship separately between the responses to aerobic, anaerobic, multimodal, and psychomotor interventions and changes in global cognition, executive function, and memory using advanced statistical modeling. Target Group: 36 studies included older populations (>50, 2007 participants, 1772 women, mean age 72.8±6.57 years). 23 studies with healthy older populations (1225 participants, 1134 women, mean age 70.3±5.32 years) and 13 studies with cognitive impairments (782 participants, 676 women. Mean age 78.3±5.64).

Aims: The effect of 26 weeks (6 months) of a supervised aerobic exercise program on memory, executive function, functional ability and depression in early AD. Added Value: Relationship of cardiorespiratory fitness with memory and bilateral hippocampal volume. Target Group: People of 55 years old and above with Mild Cognitive Impairment and probable Alzheimer’s disease.

Publication is focusing on the theory of human mental health hygiene. It contains practical instructions on how to take care of your health through physical activities.

Sport and mental health. Two things that belong together and FOKUS Vysočina knows it. „. We have long perceived the topic of exercise and sport in the context of the recovery of people with mental illness as an extremely important part of it.- official statement of Fokus Vysočina.

"One in four people suffers from a mental health problem each year. We have more and more evidence that physical activity such as cycling or walking has a positive effect on our mental and physical health and acts to prevent stress and depression and anxiety, or to help alleviate their symptoms. Technology is playing an increasingly important role in our personal and professional lives - only a minority of people work at least partially manually, and at the same time we spend a large part of our free time in front of one of the screens. Since the 1960s, our activity has fallen by 20%, and if we continue the current trend, it will fall by a further 35% by 2030. Walking and cycling as part of the solution According to guidelines issued by the UK government, an adult should spend at least 150 minutes a week on physical activity, but the 2017 Heart Foundation report on lack of physical activity states that around 39%, or about 20 million adults, do not meet this target. One way to make sure you have just as much exercise as you need is 30 minutes of physical activity 5 times a week - and this is the perfect time for short bike rides. Many people have already found that when they ride a bike, they clear their heads and get rid of the stress that has accumulated during the day. This type of regular exercise not only contributes to better sleep and physical condition, it is also an opportunity for new meetings, time with friends or family, relaxation in nature or exploring the surrounding landscape. Another great thing about walking and cycling is that once you have the basic equipment (a pair of shoes / bicycle), you can run it for free and simply add more and more minutes of physical activity to your busy life. Healthy body, healthy mind So whether you ride a bike or walk, in your free time or as a mode of transport, it is always a safe way to insure your health and well-being."

regular sports activities for people with mental illness as part of comprehensive care - football, volleyball, walking, cycling, gym.....

Regular football tournament for people with mental health problems orginised since 1997 by Fokus Mlada Boleslav, then by volunteers and finall by Fokus Praha.

EASI Cup 2019 ... without prejudices !!! was a sports awareness event not only for people with mental illness. In July 2019, an international football tournament took place with the participation of 23 teams from 13 European countries. At the same time, a society-wide debate on mental health opened up. The event was organized by Fokus Praha. The patronage was provided by the Minister of Health Adam Vojtěch. The patron of this event was Vladimír Šmicer.

Organising exercises session for people with mental health problems

Bouldering psychotherapy (BPT) combines psychotherapeutic elements with physical activity (PA). It might be effective for reducing symptoms of depression, but so far, no study has assessed individuals' levels of PA to control for whether positive effects on depression can also be found when adjusting for participants' levels of PA. This is important because PA itself has been proven effective in reducing depression and therefore might be an important variable to account for – especially in therapies using sport as one therapeutic mechanism. Using a waitlist control group design, outpatients with depression were assessed at baseline and after eight, 16, and 24 weeks. The intervention group took part in an eight-week bouldering psychotherapy which met once a week for three hours. Self-report measures before and after the intervention included the Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and the questionnaire on resources and self-management skills (FERUS). PA was assessed during the first 16-week period via FitBit Zip accelerometers.

Depression is one of the most common diseases in industrialised nations. Physical activity is regardedas an important part of therapeutic intervention. Rock climbing or bouldering (rock climbing to moderate heightswithout rope) comprises many aspects that are considered useful, but until now, there has been hardly anyresearch on the effects of a bouldering group intervention on people with depression. The purpose of thiscontrolled pilot study was twofold: first, to develop a manual for an eight-week interventional program thatintegrates psychotherapeutic interventions in a bouldering group setting and second, to assess the effects of abouldering intervention on people with depression The intervention took place once a week for three hours across a period of eight weeks. Participantswere randomly assigned to the two groups (intervention vs. waitlist). The intervention group began the boulderingtherapy immediately after a baseline measurement was taken; the waitlist participants began after an eight-weekperiod of treatment as usual. On four measurement dates at eight-week intervals, participants completed theBeck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), the symptom checklist-90-R (SCL-90), the questionnaire on resources andself-management skills (FERUS), and the attention test d2-R. A total of 47 participants completed the study,and the data were analysed with descriptive statistics. Cohen’s d was calculated as a measure of the effectsize. For the primary hypothesis, a regression analysis and the Number Needed to Treat (NNT) (improvementof at least 6 points on the BDI-II) were calculated

The aim of the present study was to compare acute effects of a climbing intervention (CI) on affective responses with a different exercise intervention (swimming, SI) and an occupational therapy intervention (OTI) in children and adolescents during in-patient treatment for mental health disorders. The following study was designed as a cross-over study. Participants completed three single 60 min interventions of CI, SI and OTI. Affective responses were assessed pre and post intervention and at 20 and 40 min during intervention. The sample consisted of 33 children and adolescents in mental-health inpatient care (ᴓage: 13.3 ± 2.2 years, ♀=39.4%). A significant time effect was seen in all interventions in increasing positive and reducing negative affect, p<.028, eta²>0.144. Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed a significant time by intervention effect for affective valence (p=.011, eta²=0.09), but not for perceived activation, favouring CI over SI and OCT between pre-test and the first 20 or 40 min, respectively.

In Austria, cancer rehabilitation is an important issue in the management of cancer patients. Survival rates and survival time of cancer patients are increasing, and cancer rehabilitation is an important part in the treatment and care of cancer patients with the goal to improve functional status, quality of life, and (social) participation. Today, in Austria there are approximately 600 beds for inpatient rehabilitation. The field of outpatient rehabilitation will maybe be expanded after evaluating the existing pilot projects. Beside other specialities, the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) plays an important role in cancer rehabilitation. In cancer rehabilitation, especially activating modalities from PM&R such as exercise are very important and well-accepted parts to improve functional status, quality of life, and participation of patients.

Dance therapy is used to all ages and all target groups. Dance therapists work with children, adolescents, adults and elderly with physical or mental problems (nevrosis, psychosis, addictions, dementia....) and with people who want to express themselves through creativity, dance and movement. Moreover, dance therapists work for prevention programs and training and education programs which take place at the rehabilitation sector.

"Emotional Anatomy: When Gestalt Meets Orthosomy…" • What is the structural state of our body and what is its function? • How do our body shape, posture, mobility and breathing relate to our emotional experience and sense of self as a whole? • What are our motor patterns and how do they relate to our mental experience and our interaction with the environment? • How are dysfunctional motor patterns created? What do they serve us for? How can we modify them?

Physical activity in persons with schizophrenia is associated with improvement of physical health parameters, reductions in depression and anxiety and an increased social interaction and psychological well-being. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of an exercise programme on improving mood profile of 30 patients with schizophrenia, separated in three groups (control group, experiment group A and experiment group B) of 10 individuals. Data from patients with schizophrenia collected using the instrument Profile of Mood States which was selected and administered prior, during and after application of the exercise programme. Repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc paired t-test were used to examine the short-term effect of the exercise programme prior and after the 1st, the 12th and the 24th training session between and within groups, respectively. The eight weeks duration of the exercise programme was conducted combining physical activity with behavioural treatment so as to promote exercise behaviour and minimise drop out risk.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of an exercise program on improving self-image and self-esteem of thirty (30) patients with schizophrenia. The sample was separated randomly in three groups of 10 individuals, that is, a control group, an exercise observation with tokens group (experiment group A) and an actual exercise with tokens group (experiment group B). Data from patients with schizophrenia collected using the Body-Cathexis Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale which were selected and administered to participants prior and after the application of the exercise program. The 8 weeks duration of the exercise program was conducted combining physical activity with behavioristic treatment so as to promote exercise behavior and minimize drop out risk.

(…) It is necessary to change the way we see physical activity and begin to see it as something we do because we appreciate the positive changes it brings to our physical and mental health as well as our overall well-being. (…) Therapeutic exercise is a proven method of treating people with depression and physiotherapists work with patients who are depressed in combination with other long-term physical health problems. Being and staying physically active will help improve your physical and mental health. Contact a Physiotherapist and discover the therapeutic exercise or activity that will entertain you and improve your mental and physical health. (…) Physiotherapy in mental health aims to optimize the well-being and empowerment of the individual through the promotion of functional movement, motor empathy, physical activity, exercise, combining physical and mental characteristics. Physiotherapists in the field of mental health provide: -health promotion, -preventive programs, -individual & group therapy, -participate in therapeutic groups. (…) Physical therapy in mental health is based on the available scientific and optimal clinical evidence. It contributes to the sustainability of the dignity of our mentally ill fellow human beings and plays an essential role in the treatment of mental disorders both in adults (depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis, personality disorders, dementia, etc.) and in children suffering from autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavioral problems, mental retardation, learning disabilities, developmental disorders, etc. (…) The physiotherapists / members of “Panhellenic Association of Physiotherapists have the necessary skills, experience and support of the Greek state (article 4 and 6 of Law 4461 / Government Gazette 38, vol. A / 28-3 -2017) to help and facilitate on an equal footing with other professionals who provide mental health services, the promotion of an active lifestyle resulting in the health and well-being of people with mental illness. (…)

• The successful end-of-project Closing Conference ended on 24th of October and confirmed once more the importance of preparing a common European ground for policy guidelines on Physical Activity and Mental Health. The Conference included research papers and presentations of practices on physical activity for mental health worldwide, as well as personal testimonies. Special emphasis was given to the fruitful dialogue among the speakers and the audience for the connection of the two fields, sharing not only best practices but also personal experiences and stories. • The Conference, does not signifies the end of the EVENTS Project but a starting point for new initiatives, aiming at Active Living and the development of the Active Living for Mental Health movement, as Mr. Nicos Andreopoulos, EVENTS Project Manager and Secretary General of "ENALMH" Network mentioned at his opening speech.

Depression is common in chronic heart failure (CHF) and is associated with poor quality of life (QoL), increased morbidity, frequency of hospitalizations and mortality. Research suggests that depression in CHF populations improves during exercise training rehabilitation programs. Nevertheless, findings regarding the magnitude of improvement are inconsistent. Also, it has not been demonstrated whether exercise training is more or less effective in treating depression in CHF, compared to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) which are currently the standard pharmacological treatment of depression.

• Lifestyle factors facilitating mental health: Literature refers to several such factors, as vivid light and fresh air; time in nature; avoiding negative thinking; regular, quiet sleep; daily, spiritual exercises; systematic physical exercise; deep breathing exercises; the positive effect of classical music; health nutrition and diet; healthy relationships; recreation; relaxation and stress management; religious or spiritual involvement; service to others, unconditional love, etc. • Systematic Physical Exercise: can soothe the feeling of deep melancholy and depression as effectively as antidepressant drugs (Heath and Wilkerson, 2018). Such exercise can be aerobics, such as walking, jogging, swimming, cycling and it is recommended for at least 3 times per week for 30 minutes each time. Another study has shown that vigorous physical activity was a protective factor for depressive symptoms, while insufficient physical activity was associated with various psychological problems, such as depression

The purpose of this study was to investigate and record the knowledge of Cypriot educators, in regards to Development Disorders and Movement Coordination. According to the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – V (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), 5-7% of school age children are directly influenced. Also, the study investigated whether previous work experience of educators is related to overall knowledge on the issue. The participants in the study were 107 junior school teachers from various schools in Cyprus. Of these, 18 were male and 89 females, and they all answered an anonymous knowledge questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 31 open ended and closed questions as well as multiple choice questions covering the entire spectrum of Development Disorders and Movement Coordination. This specific questionnaire has been used in similar research studies in Greece (Tziva-Kostala, Douroukas, Kostala & Kourtessis, 2009). In this investigation, the unsuitability of the questionnaire has been confirmed in a pilot study.

Background: Levels of physical activity and happiness may impact the health and performance of future doctors. The specific relationship between physical activity and happiness among first year medical students is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate these variables and how they relate within first year, graduate entry Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery students studying in Cyprus. Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were provided for all first year medical students at the St. George’s University of London medical programme delivered by the University of Nicosia Medical School in Cyprus. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form and happiness was assessed using the Short Depression Happiness Scale. Surveys were completed by 79 of the 120 students (median age of 24 years). Happiness and continuous measures of physical activity amounts were investigated using spearman’s rank-order correlation. Mann-Whitney U Tests were used to make further comparisons between the physical activity levels across happy and depressed groups and gender, as well as to compare the levels of happiness reported by each gender.

Purpose To explore the effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) and Guided Imagery (GI),in reducing anxiety levels among parents of children diagnosed with any type of malignancy receiving active treatment at a Paediatric Oncology Unit in Republic of Cyprus and in Greece. Method A randomized non-blinded control trial was conducted between April 2012 to October 2013, at two public paediatric hospitals. Fifty four eligible parents of children hospitalized with a malignancy were randomly assigned to the intervention (PMR and GI) (n = 29) and a control group (n = 25). The study evaluated the changes in anxiety levels(HAM-A) and mood changes(POMSb).

• The Pancyprian Association of Physiotherapists conducted the following activities to celebrate World Physical Therapy Day 2018: - The flyer was translated into Greek and sent to all members of the association. -A press release was prepared and distributed to all mass media. -A member of the Board was invited to four local TV and two radio stations. There he conveyed to the public the message of the day “Physical therapy and Mental Health” and explained the value of physical therapy for the body and mental health problems of the global population. -An event was organised at Acropolis Public Park in Nicosia, on 8th September 2018 from 09.00 to 20.00, where four physiotherapists volunteered their services demonstrating to the public, adults and children various physical and functional exercises. The public found it very interesting and was actively involved. Members of the Executive Committee also advised people on the benefits of physiotherapy and distributed leaflets about the profession. -Thirteen physiotherapy and rehabilitation centers in Cyprus offered their services free to the public.

The Republic of Cyprus became an independent state in 1960. It has been de facto divided since 1974. Efforts over the past 30 years to solve the Cyprus problem and reunify the island have not yet been successful yet. Various attempts have been made at different levels from politicians, professionals and the United Nations to bring the two communities on the island together but again these attempts have been without success. Sport has never been utilized in these attempts. Sports carry specific rules, norms and values that are in many instances more flexible than the ones adapted in general in social settings. Sport has been perceived as being a great socialization agent. The code of ethics in sports allow participants to interact at a different level, thus developing trust that can be transferred to other areas of life. Thus, the organization of summer camps through the “Doves Olympic Movement” presents the first attempt on the island of Cyprus to utilize sport and related activities to build trust in Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot children. The purpose of the project was to enhance favourable development and relationships between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot youths from the two communities in conflict. This paper examines the impact that the summer camps had on the children and instructors who participated in the camps, and how this participation managed to change their perceptions in relation to specific issues.

ABC for mental health in Denmark. Aim is to promote the mental health in Denmark. Target group (everyone), period: 2016-2021

Helping and engaging homeless people practising physical activity to get better mental and physical healh and to facilitate social inclusion and profesional insertion Added value: individual and groups workshop. The target groups is homeless people

The objectives of this systematic review are to analyse the habits of physical activity and examine the literature that has investigated the use of exercise as treatment for schizophrenia The Target groups are : people suffering from schzizophrenia

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of IATP‐R on seniors' health status

The aim of this article is to demonstrate that physical exercise in the psychiatry department contributes to the improvement of the mental health of in-hospital patients. The target groups are : One hundred and twenty-eight men, mean age: 45.67 years (±13.59) exhibited the following disorders: major depressive disorder (117), anxious disorders (25), alcoholic addiction (85), toxicomania (10), psychotic decompensation (33), bipolar disorder (3) and others (10)

The objectives of this systematic review are to evaluate the 6MWT's suitability for measuring the impact of an intervention, to compare the 6MWD walked by patients with schizophrenia with data for the general population or matched controls, to identify the determinants of 6MWD and to examine the measurement properties and quality procedures of the 6MWT

The aim was determine the effectiveness of exercise programmes for people with serious mental illness. Target groups : Adults with schizophrenia or other types of schizophrenia-like psychosis, schizoaffective disorders, and bipolar affective disorder irrespective of the diagnostic criteria used, age, ethnicity and sex.

To investigate the treatment effects of exercise compared with other treatments for anxiety disorders

to promote better mental health, we have produced this pocket guide to show the positive impact that physical activity can have on your own mental wellbeing, including some tips and suggestions to help you get started.

Aims: To determine the effectiveness of exercise in the treatment of depression. Our secondary outcomes included drop‐outs from exercise and control groups, costs, quality of life and adverse events. Target groups : Randomised controlled trials in which exercise was compared to standard treatment, no treatment or a placebo treatment in adults (aged 18 and over) with depression

physical activity (PA) may protect against other mental health disorders, including depression Target groups : The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) is a large prospective cohort study that assesses the social, economic and health circumstances of community-dwelling adults aged ≥50 years and their partners of any age, living in Ireland

The purpose of this study was to investigate the cross-sectional associations between self-reported physical activity (PA) and depressive symptoms and status among Irish adults

The objective of this study was to evaluate a pragmatic educational intervention promoting exercise to a group of patients diagnosed with depression, in a community setting. Target groups : Thirty-five patients with depression were enrolled

the purpose of this study was to investigate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between different volumes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA) and anxiety symptoms and status among older adults in Ireland.

The aim of this study was to examine the association between self-rated physical activity and subjective indicators of both positive and negative mental health in an Irish adult population.

The EUROPEAN VOLUNTEER EVENTS for THERAPY through SPORTS – EVENTS Project - aims to develop strong institutional procedures for the specific contribution of sport and physical exercise to the prevention, the therapy in the field of mental health and the rehabilitation of mental health service users at European level within the overall Active Living context. The project is the practical reflection of the vision of a major European institutional link between the fields of Sport and Mental Health: State Sports Authorities, Federations and Associations, private bodies in the sports sector, National Health Systems, Educational / Research Institutions, Local Government, Private Institutions and Civil Society meet up and join their forces in a movement that promotes an active living, the idea that sport is for everyone, that sport fosters our soul. CORE ACTIVITY The 1st European Sport & Physical Exercise Event for Mental Health is the culmination of the new strategy that highlights the independent and specialized approach of Physical Exercise and Sports as a significant and effective factor for a holistic approach in the field of Mental Health. 34 organizations and 250 individuals who practice sports from 14 countries have already support with their participation the 1st European Sport & Physical Exercise Event for Mental Health, which is co-funded by the European Commission in the framework of Erasmus+ Sport Program, will be held will be held in Athens, Greece, on 21,22 & 23 September 2018. The 1st European Sport & Physical Exercise Event for Mental Health - the milestone of the EVENTS project actions – was set up under the Patronage of the European Parliament President. A reward that provides this particular initiative with a moral acclaim. Implementation of the 3-day event is nothing more than the practical implementation of a message of freedom and the promote of an active living as the foundation of personal development and the development of the society as a whole.

A five-month European Campaign “Life is like a bike” (February-June 2018) held in parallel in 12 European countries, as the main goal of the MENS Project, the European project, which is co-funded by the European Commission under the Erasmus + program. MENS project is implemented with the involvement of 17 organizations, from 12 EU Member States, active in the field of mental health and / or sports and physical exercise. The main objective of the MENS project is the establishment of the European Network of Active Living for Mental Health (ENALMH) highlighting the crucial meaning of the link between Physical Exercise and Sports for the prevention, the treatment and the rehabilitation in the field of Mental Health. The “Life is Like a bike” campaign is based on the results of the European survey among organizations and individuals about their experience and their opinions on the contribution of physical exercise and sport to mental health through specially designed questionnaires for sports organizations, mental health providers (recipients of their services or professionals) and the general population. The survey lasted two months (October-November 2017) and was completed with 2,656 participants from 12 European countries. Based on the survey data, a positive attitude towards the link between “sport / exercise and mental health” arises, but also a lack of motivation and of in-depth knowledge. Therefore, the “Life is Like a Bike” campaign acquires an informative but also encouraging character to provide valid information to those who have not yet adopt the active living, as a resounding confirmation for those who have adopted an active daily routine but also as a further reinforcement of the existing initiatives.

AIMS: Systematically review the applicability (attendance, achieved intensity, adverse events) and effects of physical exercise on physical functions, cognitive functions, and activities of daily living among people with dementia. ADDED VALUE: Teams are composed with people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias living in residential care facilities TARGET GROUP: Older people with Alzheimer disease and other dementias TYPE OF EXERCISE - PERIODICITY: Combined exercise (strength, balance, aerobic, flexibility), 7 studies, 2weeks – 12 months (2-7 times/week, 20-75 minutes ) Walking exercise, 3 studies, 6-16 weeks, 3-5 sessions/week, 30min/session Intensity: In most studies it is reported as light to moderate

AIMS: To estimate the effect of a moderate to high intensity aerobic and strength exercise training programme on cognitive impairment and other outcomes in people with mild to moderate dementia. ADDED VALUE: People with mild to moderate dementia can engage and comply with moderate to high intensity aerobic and strengthening exercise and improve physical fitness. These benefits do not, however, translate into improvements in cognitive impairment, activities in daily living, behaviour, or health related quality of life The exercise programme might possibly have worsened cognitive impairment. TARGET GROUPS: People with mild to moderate dementia living in the community eitheralone or with others.TYPE OF EXERCISE - PERIODICITY: Moderate to high intensity aerobic and strength exercise, for four (4) months, twice a week, 60-90 min/session in gym and one (1) session/week (60') at home.

AIM:The aim of this study was to systematically review the evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the effects of physical exercise on cognition in older subjects with MCI or dementia. ADDED VALUE: Τhe effectiveness of exercise interventions in older individuals already suffering from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. TARGET GROUPS: Οlder people with MCI or dementia living in community. TYPE OF EXERCISE-PERIODICITY: The duration varied from 6 weeks to 12 months. Most frequent type of exercise was walking, followed by stength training, ergocycling and Tai Chi. Intensity varied from light to moderate, sessions from 2 to 5/weeks, 30 minutes to 2 hours/session.

AIMS: The main purpose of this systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCT) with pre-planned meta-analysis was to examine the effects of exercise training on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in people with dementia compared with controls.The secondary aims of this study were to investigate the effects of exercise training on mortality and on use of antipsychotics. ADDED VALUE: Managing behavioral and psychological symptoms in institutionalized and living in the community people with dementia. TYPE OF EXERCISE- PERIODICITY: The most common exercise type, performed in13 studies, was a multicomponent training (ie, two or more exercise types grouped together in the same training session). Ten studies had a usual care control group; the other ten studies had anactive-control group (eight of these had a socially-active control group)

AIMS: To examine the effects of aerobic exercise on cognition and other biomarkers associated with Alzheimer disease pathology for older adults with mild cognitive Impairment (MCI), and assess the role of sex as a predictor of response. ADDED VALUE: The role of high intensity aerobic exercise in cognitive function of people with MCI and its effect on AD-related biomarkers in blood including insulin, cortisol, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin like growth factor I (IGF-I), and β-amyloids 40 and 42 (Aβ40 and Aβ42) TARGET GROUP: Middle to old aged people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). TYPE OF EXERCISE-PERIODICITY : Six-month, randomized, controlled, clinical trial. Two randomized groups (exercise and control group). The exercise group followed a high-intensity aerobic exercise program at 75% to 85% of heart rate reserve for 45 to 60 min/d, 4 d/wk. The control group carried out supervised stretching activities with a heart rate at or below 50% of their heart rate reserve.

AIMS: i) to identify the effects of physical exercise on the cognitive health, depression and HRQoL of patients with MCI, and ii) to examine the differential effects, if any, of different designs of exercise programmes on the above health outcomes. ADDED VALUE: physical exercise is beneficial for improving global cognition in MCI pa tients; particularly, aerobic exercise is associated with better effects. More RCTs with rigorous study design are needed to explore the effects of physical exercise on cognitive subdomains and psychological outcomes in MCI patients TARGET GROUP: 11 studies were included in the review. All the participants were middle aged to very old people with MCI living in the community (7 studies) or in memory clinics (4 studies). TYPE OF EXERCISE-PERIODICITY: The interventions were classified into three categories: (1) aerobic exercise (n=6), (2) resistance training (n=4) and (3) multi-modal exercise (n=2). In the case of aerobic exercise, a walking programme was the one most commonly used (n=4). The majority of aerobic exercise programmes were of moderate intensity (n=4). Two of the three resistance training programmes were of high intensity. Both multi-modal exercise programmes included three or four exercise types (aerobic, resistance training, stretching and balance, Tai Chi) which was conducted by in groups under supervision.The duration varied from 6 weeks to 12 months ((2-4 times/week, 30-90 minutes/day )

AIMS: To investigate whether cognitive and physical activities in midlife are associated with reduced risk of dementia and dementia subtypes in women followed for 44 years. ADDED VALUE: The relation of physical and cognitive activity to reduce incidence of dementia among woman in a period of 44 years. TARGET GROUP: A population-based sample of 800 women aged 38–54 years followed from 1968 to 2012. TYPE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: The women were assigned to 4 groups. Group 1 was completely inactive, for example at most watching television and going to the movies. Group 2 engaged in light physical activity for a minimum of 4 h/wk, such as walking, gardening, bowling, or cycling for half an hour a day. Group 3 had regular physical training, such as running, tennis, or swimming, for at least 2–3h/wk. Group 4 had regular–intense physical training such as heavy exercise, for example running or swimming several times/week, or engaging in competitive sports

AIMS: To analyze the association between PA and dementia incidence in a large population-based cohort using a validated questionnaire developed specifically to explore household, transportation, leisure and sport activities in elderly people. Secondary objectives were to determine the PA types significantly associated with dementia, to study the shape of the risk function for each activity-specific subscore, and to identify the appropriate activity threshold values. ADDED VALUE: The study used data from the prospective observational Three-city cohort and included community-dwelling individuals aged 72 to 87 without dementia at baseline. TYPE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: PA was assessed using the questionnaire developed by Voorrips. It is divided in three parts: house-hold/transportation activities, leisure time activities, and sport activities. The household/transportation activity part includes 10 questions about housework, preparing meals, shop-ping and transportation used. The leisure time and sport activity parts include questions on the type of activity, number of hours per week, and number of months per year. The activity types are associated with intensities that are determined according to the activity energetic costs.

AIM: the role of exercise (aerobic and resistance) training as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment and prevention of AD ADDED VALUE: The main protective mechanism on brain function modulated by physical exercise by examining both human and animal studies and the role of exercise in the modulation of amyloid b turnover, inflammation, synthesis and release of neurotrophins, and improvements in cerebral blood flow. The study is an exetnsive review of the effects of physical exercise (aerobic and strength training) on brain aging, the main mechanisms activated at the brain level, and the protective role on Dementia.

ECArTE is a consortium of Universities. Its primary purpose is to represent and encourage the development of the Arts Therapies and Arts Therapies education in Europe, in particular the courses offering nationally validated and professionally recognised training for Arts Therapists. (The Arts Therapies include art therapy, dance therapy, dramatherapy and music therapy). ECArTE was founded in 1991 by the Universities of Hertfordshire, Münster, Nijmegen and Paris. Currently it comprises 34 member institutions from 13 European countries.

Think Pink is the national campaign for fight breast cancer and fights daily for people with the disease and their families. It meets four objectives: -Inform -Raise awareness -Support specific research in the context of breast cancer -Providing help with health care costs before and after illness

The literature regarding exercise for people with established anxiety disorders is equivocal. To address this issue, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the benefits of exercise compared to usual treatment or control conditions in people with an anxiety and/or stress-related disorders. Major electronic databases were searched from inception until December/2015 and a random effect meta-analysis conducted. Altogether, six randomized control trials (RCTs) including 262 adults (exercise n=132, 34.74 [9.6] years; control n=130, 37.34 [10.0] years) were included.

Objective: This study aimed to establish an international consensus on physical therapists' beliefs, potential benefits and practices in the use of physical activity in schizophrenia. Method: All members of the International Organization of Physical Therapists in Mental Health were invited to take part in a cross‐sectional online survey. All data were analysed using descriptive statistics and quantitative content and/or thematic analysis.

Aim: To obtain an international perspective of mental health physiotherapists on their role within the treatment of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia. Method: A cross-sectional survey of members of the International Organisation of Physical Therapists interested in mental health (IOPTMH) was undertaken. Free text responses to open-ended questions were analysed with a thematic analysis.

Objective : To evaluate the effect of behavioral techniques and physical exercise on psychosocial functioning and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes in breast cancer patients and survivors. Methods : A meta‐analysis was carried out to quantify the effects of behavioral and exercise interventions on fatigue, depression, anxiety, body‐image, stress and HRQoL. Summary effect sizes and standard errors were calculated. The presence of publication bias was explored and sensitivity analyses were performed to identify possible sources of heterogeneity.

The literature regarding exercise for people with established anxiety disorders is equivocal. To address this issue, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the benefits of exercise compared to usual treatment or control conditions in people with an anxiety and/or stress-related disorders. Major electronic databases were searched from inception until December/2015 and a random effect meta-analysis conducted. Altogether, six randomized control trials (RCTs) including 262 adults (exercise n=132, 34.74 [9.6] years; control n=130, 37.34 [10.0] years) were included. Exercise significantly decreased anxiety symptoms more than control conditions, with a moderate effect size (Standardized Mean Difference=−0.582, 95%CI −1.0 to −0.76, p=0.02).

Objectives: To support return to work (RTW) among cancer patients, a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme was developed which combined occupational counselling with a supervised physical exercise programme during chemotherapy. The aim was to investigate RTW rates of cancer patients and to evaluate changes in work-related quality of life and physical outcomes. Design: Longitudinal prospective intervention study using a one-group design. Setting :Two hospitals in the Netherlands. Participants: Of the eligible patients, 56% participated; 93 patients with a primary diagnosis of cancer receiving chemotherapy and on sick leave were included. Patients completed questionnaires on RTW, the importance of work, work ability (WAI), RTW self-efficacy, fatigue (MFI), and quality of life (EORTC QLQ C-30) at baseline and 6, 12 and 18 months follow-up. Before and after the exercise programme 1-repetition maximum (1RM) muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2 peak) were assessed.

Objective: There is evidence of more obesity among persons with depressive and depressive and anxiety disorders. However, the nature and the underlying mechanisms of the association are still unclear. This study examines the association between depressive and anxiety disorders and obesity, physical activity, and social activity, and examines whether social and physical activity are potential influencing factors in the association between depressive and anxiety disorders and obesity. Method: Cross‐sectional data were used from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety. A total of 1,854 women and 955 men aged 18–65 years were recruited from the community, general practices, and specialized mental health care. Depressive and anxiety disorders were determined with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Body mass index (BMI<30 kg/m2) was used to determine obesity. Physical and social activities were measured by self‐report.

Background: Depressive and anxiety disorders have shown to be associated to premature or advanced biological aging and consequently to adversely impact somatic health. Treatments with antidepressant medication or running therapy are both found to be effective for many but not all patients with mood and anxiety disorders. These interventions may, however, work through different pathophysiological mechanisms and could differ in their impact on biological aging and somatic health. This study protocol describes the design of an unique intervention study that examines whether both treatments are similarly effective in reducing or reversing biological aging (primary outcome), psychiatric status, metabolic stress and neurobiological indicators (secondary outcomes). Methods: The MOod Treatment with Antidepressants or Running (MOTAR) study will recruit a total of 160 patients with a current major depressive and/or anxiety disorder in a mental health care setting. Patients will receive a 16-week treatment with either antidepressant medication or running therapy (3 times/week). Patients will undergo the treatment of their preference and a subsample will be randomized (1:1) to overcome preference bias. An additional no-disease-no-treatment group of 60 healthy controls without lifetime psychopathology, will be included as comparison group for primary and secondary outcomes at baseline. Assessments are done at week 0 for patients and controls, and at week 16 and week 52 for patients only, including written questionnaires, a psychiatric and medical examination, blood, urine and saliva collection and a cycle ergometer test, to gather information about biological aging (telomere length and telomerase activity), mental health (depression and anxiety disorder characteristics), general fitness, metabolic stress-related biomarkers (inflammation, metabolic syndrome, cortisol) and genetic determinants. In addition, neurobiological alterations in brain processes will be assessed using structural and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in a subsample of at least 25 patients per treatment arm and in all controls.

In Luxembourg, 21.6% of the population suffers from depression and 6% have moderate to severe symptoms. The main treatment options include antidepressant medication and psychotherapy, but other options such as physical activity are recommended.

The health benefits of physical activity (PA) are acknowledged and promoted by the scientific community, especially within primary care. However, there is little evidence that such promotion is provided in any consistent or comprehensive format. Brief interventions (i.e. discussion, negotiation or encouragement) and exercise referral schemes (i.e. patients being formally referred to a PA professional) are the two dominant approaches within primary care.

Stages of ''Sport on Prescription'' 1.Selection of patients via health professionals: In particular, general practitioners prescribe to their patients appropriate physical activity programmes 2.Activation of the patient via ''Sport on Prescription'': Patients will be referred to nearby sports facilities adapted to their chronic pathology. 3.Transfer of patients to local sports facilities: Patients will be oriented to nearby and suitable sports facilities(quality labeled local sports club/association)

“Sport-Santé” has three main objectives: to increase the number of participants in existing groups offering therapeutic sports, to enlarge the course offer and to durably maintain it. These goals are pursued through multiple initiatives, namely by awareness campaigns and by providing support to existing and new groups. The website www.sport-sante.lu serves as a showcase for the “Sport-Santé” project. It provides comprehensive, objective and scientifically reliable information on pathologies and therapeutic sports. Moreover it allows the patients to easily find the best adapted sports group in the country and gives practice information on organisers, places and schedules. The project is supported by “Œuvre Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte”, a public organisation supporting philanthropy and solidarity.

Project name "Show character" campaign to work with mental and social skills of youth and children through sport.

This activities work with people with severe mental illness and has the purpose of promote physical activity to this group, contribute to abetter quality of life, by working physical, psychological and social level of physical activity. Fight the stigma against this population and promote social inclusion

A Futsal game that aims to work on the direct social contact and fight stigma against people with mental health issues. This event is acomplished after prepare all the participants for four months, giving them the oportunity to make exercise through that time.

Promote social inclusion of people excluded or at risk of social exclusion

Futsal tournament with the purpose of fight stigma for people with mental health issues

The Walk for Mental Health aims to raise awareness in the community about mental health issues

Promote physical activities with Individuals with schizophrenia

People with mental health issues.

This is something similar to Swedish physical activity on prescription. A consultation will be coordinated by a doctor with a specialization or postgraduate degree in sports medicine, in collaboration with a professional in the field of physical exercise. Then there are other health professionals who can be involved, such as physical therapists, nurses, nutritionists and psychologists, on a case-by-case basis and by referral. Added value: Totally free. Target groups: People with depression will start to have physical activity consultations at the National Health Service (SNS). The initiative started in early 2019, with 13 pilot projects. * The type of physical activity, the degree of intensity (low, moderate, vigorous), session duration in minutes/day, weekly frequency, and total duration in weeks will vary depending on the prescription.

Due to social differences in Sweden with economical differences and segregated areas Street Games Gothenburg came to be in 2015 funded by the national sports organisation RF-SISU in Sweden to us RF-SISU Västra Götaland Street Games Västra Götaland. StreetGames Göteborg use power of sport to create positive change in the lives of disadvantaged young people right across Gothenburg and have helped 25 000 Young kids in Gothenburg since the start to make young people and their communities healthier, safer and more successful. Sport is energetic, inclusive and enjoyable, but StreetGames goal is not only about having fun. StreetGames believes in the power of sport to transform lives and to broaden ambitions in help with the big leadership program with t-shirts in different colors and a system of playful "trying on sports" in different shapes and sizes. We educate the leaders in Street Games. Young and established leaders meet in order to exchange experiences in a learning environment which leads to a stronger feeling of confidence, working ability and leadership skills. We also work a lot with Young Girls in the segregated areas to be able to take on a leadership roles based on several studies that has been done (will link the studies)

People with severe mental illness, especially those with a poor job history and somatic comorbidity, experience different psychosocial and physical barriers to employment. The aim of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of an augmented Individual Placement and Support (IPS) program, which consists of IPS and mental and psychomotor training among people with severe mental illness. During the period from May 2010 until December 2017, 176 clients participated in the study. Over 10 week period, people with severe mental illness receive IPS augmented with three group sessions per week of mental and psychomotor training (the I Care program). This program was based on a bio-psycho-social perspective, containing a combination of work-related psychological, educational and physical rehabilitation methods. The group consisted of people with mood, anxiety and adjustment disorders, autism spectrum syndrome, personality and psychotic disorders. Ninety (51.14%) participants had chronic medical diseases as well, mainly musculoskeletal diseases and/or chronic pain.

• Purpose: to present clinical guidelines for exercise therapy in depressed patients derived from recent meta-analyses. • Method: four meta-analyses on effects of physical exercise on mental and physical in depression were analysed.

• Background: The beneficial effects of physical activity (PA) for older adults are well known. However, few older adults reach the health guideline of 150 min per week of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). Electronic health (eHealth) interventions are effective in increasing PA levels in older adults in the short term but, rarely, intermediate-term effects after a period without the support of a website or an app have been examined. Furthermore, current theory-based interventions focus mainly on pre - intentional determinants, although post - intentional determinants should also be included to increase the likelihood of successful behavior change. • Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the theory-based eHealth intervention, MyPlan 2.0, focusing on pre- and post - intentional determinants on both accelerometer-based and self-reported PA levels in older Belgian adults in the short and intermediate term. • Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial with three data collection points: baseline (N=72), post (five weeks after baseline; N=65), and follow-up (three months after baseline; N=65). The study took place in Ghent, and older adults (aged ≥65 years) were recruited through a combination of random and convenience sampling. At all the time points, participants were visited by the research team. Self-reported domain-specific PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and accelerometers were used to objectively assess PA. Participants in the intervention group got access to the eHealth intervention, MyPlan 2.0, and used it independently for five consecutive weeks after baseline. MyPlan 2.0 was based on the self-regulatory theory and focused on both pre- and post - intentional processes to increase PA. Multilevel mixed- models repeated measures analyses were performed in R (R Foundation for Statistical Computing).

• Background Social anxiety (SA) is a frequent comorbid condition in patients with mental illness. However, no data exist regarding SA in physical activity (PA) situations. The aim of the present study was to measure the level of self‐reported SA in PA participation in patients with mental illness compared to healthy controls. • Methods Six hundred ninety‐three patients with mental illness and 2,888 controls aged between 18 and 65 years completed the Physical Activity and Sport Anxiety Scale (PASAS). Group and gender differences in PASAS scores were tested by ANOVA and Scheffé's post hoc test.

Three stakeholders based in Flanders, a health insurance provider (CM), a state agency for forest and nature (Regional public authority for Nature and Forests of Nature & Forests, government of Flanders) and a forest advocate organization (BOS+) partner annually to run a campaign to encourage physical movement in natural environments for 30 minutes per day during 30 days.Since 2017, an assessment of the impact of the campaign on the participants´ subjective health and wellbeing has been conducted for the 30730 campaign. In the autumn of 2018, altogether 1720 participants started the campaign by signing up in the online diary. They were encouraged to report their daily activities through the diary and through the three surveys that were administered throughout the campaign. The impact of the campaign on participants´ subjective health and wellbeing, their connectedness with nature and the level of naturalness of their perceived living and exercising environments, were measured by using a set of validated scales, an objective measure and qualitative questions.

Within Socialist Provident Women, we have understood this issue. That’s why we’re mobilizing for sport. In the Charleroi Center and Soignies branch, for example, many courses are organized, including for beginners and at very democratic prices to allow everyone to register. For example, there are gentle gym, tai chi, zen gym, swiss ball, yoga and Nordic walking classes. In the future, the branch would also like to offer more family sports projects. The FPS also decided to focus on well-being in business. “The idea is to provide staff members with periods of relaxation. This is one of the elements (along with training, organization and coaching) that make it possible to achieve this objective of well-being at work” further explains Anaïs Bringard. Staff members are therefore invited to take part in running sessions (once a week at Tivoli La Louvière and at Solidaris La Hestre and Charleroi), bodysculpt (once a week at Tivoli La Louvière) and relaxation sessions for Solidaris La Hestre and Charleroi staff members (once a week, once a week or every two weeks).

The International Muslim Student Association of Leuven, or IMSAL, has a well-established institution of leading monthly nature walks for free! They specialize in bringing together an array of students and introducing them to Belgium’s countryside. IMSAL hikes started back in October 2016 and have now become a regular event, with at least one monthly trek into nature, guided by a veteran of Belgian trails.

The AREA + home for adolescents is a psychiatric center offering care for adolescents between 12 and 20 years old, the aim is to respond to any type of crisis and psychological problem: psychological distress, depression, family breakdown, dropping out of school, danger, psychotic manifestations etc. AREA + is a structure made up of a residential hospital for adolescents, a day hospital (The therapeutic high school), a therapeutic boarding school, a polyclinic and a reception and orientation center . Its operation is based on a multidisciplinary, therapeutic, social, legal and educational approach, calling on a synergy of actors working in these different fields. AREA + combines therapeutic aid, teaching, sport, artistic workshops, etc. The AREA + project also benefits from the support of the European federation Action for Teens, whose mission consists in defending a policy of specific care for adolescents in European countries.

In Belgium and the Netherlands, psychomotor therapy as a kind of physical activity and body-oriented therapy has been well integrated into mental health care since 1965.Psychomotor therapy is defined as a method of treatment that uses body awareness and physical activities as cornerstones of its approach. In Flemish psychiatric hospitals, psychomotor therapy is imbedded in different treatment programs for different diagnosis related patient settings. Since 1962, in Flanders the domain of PMT was included in the graduate studies (master) of kinesiology, rehabilitation, and physiotherapy. Since 1965, psychomotor therapy has been systematically integrated in the different residential programs for psychiatric patients in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium (Flanders). Psychomotor Therapy: A Complementary Therapy? In Flanders, psychomotor therapy can be seen as a supplement to biomedical treatment, in accordance with internationally accepted standard models. It is integrated in the dominant health care system. Psychomotor therapy is theoretically well underpinned and taught at the university level. Research in this field is increasing, and there is now clinical and scientific evidence. There are no real side effects, and the rules of safety are transparent. • Clinical Interventions: -Psychomotor Therapy for Patients with Schizophrenia. Psychomotor therapy for schizophrenia may consist of (a) a stress reduction program, (b) a movement activation program and (c) a psychosocial therapy program -Psychomotor Therapy in a Cognitive Behavioural Setting for Patients with Eating Disorders -Psychomotor Therapy in a Clinical Psychotherapy Setting for Patients with Personality Disorders

• Subjects/ Content Volume 1. -physical and sports activity: distinction of concepts, philosophical bases (opposition dualism-monism), definitions, specific objectives, their content, their societal organizations in Belgium, value of the relationship to the body in civilizations and in history, presentation data for Belgium - impact on health (physical, mental and sexual): on physiological (respiratory, cardio-pulmonary and vascular systems, cerebral system, .. and psychological (on personality factors such as self-esteem, anxiety, depression, education systems, family, socio-relational, studies, ...) -impact according to the intensity and frequency according to the different populations concerned and the environmental system (child-adolescent-adults-seniors). On specific populations: with a psychological problem, social reintegration, with handicap (motor, sensory and mental,) competition and high level, physical disorders (obesity, diabetes, ..) and transplanted (kidneys, heart, liver ,. .) - motivational aspects which push people to engage or not in the practice of PA or even to disengage from it. - theoretical and practical basis allowing health professionals to arrive at: 1) Understand the value of PA as a therapeutic tool in certain pathologies / prevention tool for the occurrence of certain diseases and for improving the quality of life and physical, mental and sexual health. 2) Encourage / help a person to be more active. - presentation of the psycho-corporal techniques whose aim is the harmonization of the relations between the body and the psyche and which have a certain empirical validation are: psychomotricity, respiration, muscle tone (Jacobson method), Eutonia , Autogenic training by Schultz, Yoga. Techniques integrating cognitive dimensions and the relationship with the body such as internal dialogue, Autogenic Training by Schultz, imagery. Volume 2 The techniques already mentioned, or a selection among them, must be the subject of a specific teaching for the students so that they can use them with their future patients. Being able the use of these techniques is not difficult in itself, but the difficulty lies in the time to devote to acquiring the use of the tool.

Patients with eating disorders experience have an intense fear of gaining weight and present a negative body experience and a disturbed body perception (weight, circumference and form). Excessive exercise, drive for activity or hyperactivity are considered to be a secondary symptom in the diagnostic of patients with eating disorders and are characterised by a voluntary increase of physical activity, a compulsive urge to move and by the dissociation of fatigue. The goal of this workshop is to present practical guidelines for physiotherapeutic management in eating disorder. This guidelines are based on the research literature and on more than 30 years of clinical and scientific experience in this field at the University Psychiatric Center- KULeuven, campus Kortenberg (Belgium). The cornerstones for a physiotherapy approach in children, adolescents and adults will be proposed. A description of the possible goals/objectives such as reconstructing a realistic self-concept, curbing hyperactivity, learning how to enjoy the body will be discussed. Different therapeutic interventions aimed at improving the body experience in patients with eating disorders through the use of physiotherapy will be introduced. Attention will surely be paid to particular therapeutic techniques such as relaxation training (e.g. mindfulness, yoga, …), breathing exercises, physical activities, sensory awareness and self-perception (mirror exercises, body awareness, …), all of which are used in physiotherapy.

• Summary This review concluded that behavioural techniques were effective in improving fatigue, depression, anxiety and stress and physical exercise was effective in improving fatigue, depression, body-image and HRQoL in breast cancer patients and survivors. The authors' conclusions are over-optimistic given the limitations in review methodology and should be interpreted with caution as they may not be reliable. • Objectives To evaluate the effect of behavioural techniques and physical exercise on psychosocial functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in breast cancer patients and survivors. • Study selection Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of behavioural techniques or physical exercise in patients with breast cancer and survivors of breast cancer were eligible for inclusion. Outcomes included fatigue, depression, anxiety, body-image (self concept, body image, self esteem, self perception) stress and HRQoL. Interventions included a wide variety of behavioural techniques and physical exercise as individual and/or group interventions (details reported). Intervention duration ranged from three to 57 sessions and included patients with all grades of breast cancer (0-IV). The authors did not state how many reviewers performed the selection.

• Objective The objective of this multicenter randomised clinical trial was to examine the effect of exercise versus occupational therapy on mental and physical health in schizophrenia patients. • Method Sixty‐three patients with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to 2 h of structured exercise (n = 31) or occupational therapy (n = 32) weekly for 6 months. Symptoms (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) and cardiovascular fitness levels (Wpeak and VO2peak), as assessed with a cardiopulmonary exercise test, were the primary outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures were the Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, Camberwell Assessment of Needs, body mass index, body fat percentage, and metabolic syndrome (MetS).

To establish associations between physical exercise during leisure time and prevalence, incidence and course of mental disorders. Data were derived from the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study, a 3-wave cohort study in a representative sample (N=7,076) of Dutch adults. Mental disorders were assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Physical activity was established by the number of hours per week people spent on taking physical exercise.

The societal and personal burden of depressive illness is considerable. Despite the developments in treatment strategies, the effectiveness of both medication and psychotherapy is not ideal. Physical activity, including exercise, is a relatively cheap and non-harmful lifestyle intervention which lacks the side-effects of medication and does not require the introspective ability necessary for most psychotherapies. Several cohort studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have been performed to establish the effect of physical activity on prevention and remission of depressive illness. However, recent meta-analysis's of all RCTs in this area showed conflicting results. The objective of the present article is to describe the design of a RCT examining the effect of exercise on depressive patients. METHODS/DESIGN: The EFFect Of Running Therapy on Depression in adults (EFFORT-D) is a RCT, studying the effectiveness of exercise therapy (running therapy (RT) or Nordic walking (NW)) on depression in adults, in addition to usual care. The study population consists of patients with depressive disorder, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) ≥ 14, recruited from specialised mental health care. The experimental group receives the exercise intervention besides treatment as usual, the control group receives treatment as usual. The intervention program is a group-based, 1 h session, two times a week for 6 months and of increasing intensity. The control group only performs low intensive non-aerobic exercises. Measurements are performed at inclusion and at 3,6 and 12 months. Primary outcome measure is reduction in depressive symptoms measured by the HRSD. Cardio-respiratory fitness is measured using a sub maximal cycling test, biometric information is gathered and blood samples are collected for metabolic parameters. Also, co-morbidity with pain, anxiety and personality traits is studied, as well as quality of life and cost-effectiveness.

Background The aim of the current study is to evaluate the efficacy of an exercise intervention to reduce work-related fatigue. Exercise is a potentially effective intervention strategy to reduce work-related fatigue, since it may enhance employees’ ability to cope with work stress and it helps to detach from work. However, based on available research, no clear causal inferences regarding its efficacy can be made. This RCT therefore investigates whether exercise is effective in reducing work-related fatigue, and in improving other indicators of employees’ mental and physical well-being and performance. Methods/design A two-arm parallel trial will be conducted. Participants (N = 108) who experience high levels of work-related fatigue will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio to a 6-week exercise intervention or wait list (control). The exercise intervention consists of three one-hour low-intensity outdoor running sessions a week. Each week, two sessions take place in a group under supervision of a trainer, and one session is completed individually. The running sessions will be carried out during leisure time. The primary outcome is work-related fatigue. Secondary outcomes include work ability, self-efficacy, sleep quality, cognitive functioning, and aerobic fitness. These data will be collected at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 6 weeks and 12 weeks after the intervention. In addition, weekly measures of employees’ well-being, and exercise activities (i.e. type, frequency, and duration) and experiences (i.e. pleasure, effort, and detachment) will be collected during the intervention period.

The purpose of this article is twofold: To show policymakers, other (healthcare) professionals and managers the variety of the contribution of occupational therapy in primary care. To support occupational therapists by showing them possible interventions to introduce the profession in primary care, but also to show already established occupational therapists in primary care in which areas they can specialize or start new initiatives.•

 Psychological care for the English speaking expat. Internet-based and Active walking therapy.Inter-Active Therapy is an innovative blended-care approach to psychological therapy that makes use of both face-to-face contact and web-based tools. Therapy sessions are conducted outdoors, in any one of the many parks and green areas around the North Holland region. Internet therapy is also available for people living further outside North Holland or for those who’s work requires them to travel frequently. As a client you are given access to a private online portal that is customized to your needs, giving you information about the therapy you are following, and insights into the progress you are making. At the end of the process you will be able to reflect back on a personalized guide that can continue supporting you into the future. There is a lot we can work on together. I specialize in helping depression, difficulty adjusting to life or the environment, stress, burnout and anxiety, frustration intolerance and substance dependence. I also specialize in supporting men who have issues adapting to parenthood.

In the program, people meet in a running group at least once a week with an experienced runner and trained psychologist.

• What is APGS ? APGS asbl is an association for the prevention and management of pathologies linked to chronic stress in Luxembourg and the Greater Region. It offers tailored physical and body oriented psychotherapy activities for people with depression or burnout. These activities are offered alongside the medico-psychological follow-up or after the hospitalization. This association offers supervised activities to reduce the level of internal tension. • Offer in the way of physical activity The activities proposed enhance the decrease in the level of internal tension via physical and mental relaxation, the awareness of the body via the perception of their own feelings and the orientation of the gaze on an objective reality, the development of self-esteem and self-confidence, a gradual return to movement and socialization, while respecting one's abilities. • Types of exercises offered The activities are offered in a caring and reassuring context. The sessions are tailored to the participants' abilities so that they can respect their needs and their current state. APGS offers weekly classes in Luxembourg and the Greater Region. The sessions of tailored physical activities combine body gymnastics at low cardiovascular intensity, stretching, suppleness, and postural gymnastics to reduce the pain and tensions of the body. Sessions of body oriented psychotherapy activities (dynamic relaxation, Qi Qong, Feldenkrais) lead the progressive learning of the relaxation of the body and the mind and provide tools to better manage chronic stress. • Who can participate? These accompanying activities are reserved for persons benefiting from a medical or psychological follow-up or that are out of hospitalization (mild or moderate depression, burnout). A medical clearance to practice physical activities is required.

• What is “Movin’Kids”? In 2010, the Medical Service of the Schools of Luxembourg City in collaboration with the Luxembourg City Sports Service has established a group of physical activity for overweight children. The project has been launched at the start of the academic year 2010-2011. The aim is to provide children the love of moving and feeling of success without being involved in competition. This is done in an atmosphere of well-being whilst creating team spirit. Furthermore, specific workshops on eating habits and self-esteem are organized. A dietary monitoring is offered to families. • Offer for physical activity Games and various sports activities are offered to the children. These activities are organized outside as well as inside in the gym; multi-sport and gymnastics are proposed, and, in addition, swimming is offered alternately. The intensity of the exercises and the level of difficulty are adapted to each participant’s abilities. All of these activities are animated and supervised by sport monitors from the Sports Service who have the appropriate qualifications. • Offer for health promotion Physical activity is important but a balanced and healthy diet is also necessary for the well-being of children. In this context, workshops on healthy eating and self-esteem are offered by the Medical Service as well as a dietetic follow. • Who can participate? The registration is open to all children from Luxembourg-City with overweight trouble at the age of 8 to 12 years. The recruitment is done after the screening of the children during their medical examination as part of the school medicine. A registration at the initiative of their parents is also possible after the control if the file by the medical team. The upper limit of participants is 20.

Several epidemiological studies have shown that exercise (EX) and physical activity (PA) can prevent or delay the onset of different mental disorders, and have therapeutic benefits when used as sole or adjunct treatment in mental disorders. This review summarizes studies that used EX interventions in patients with anxiety, affective, eating, and substance use disorders, as well as schizophrenia and dementia/mild cognitive impairment. Despite several decades of clinical evidence with EX interventions, controlled studies are sparse in most disorder groups.

Background A healthy lifestyle can be beneficial for one’s mental health. Thus, identifying healthy lifestyle choices that promote psychological well-being and reduce mental problems is useful to prevent mental disorders. The aim of this longitudinal study was to evaluate the predictive values of a broad range of lifestyle choices for positive mental health (PMH) and mental health problems (MHP) in German and Chinese students. Method Data were assessed at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Samples included 2991 German (Mage = 21.69, SD = 4.07) and 12,405 Chinese (Mage = 20.59, SD = 1.58) university students. Lifestyle choices were body mass index, frequency of physical and mental activities, frequency of alcohol consumption, smoking, vegetarian diet, and social rhythm irregularity. PMH and MHP were measured with the Positive Mental Health Scale and a 21-item version of the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale. The predictive values of lifestyle choices for PMH and MHP at baseline and follow-up were assessed with single-group and multi-group path analyses.

Background Besides classical approaches for treating depression, physical activity has been demonstrated to be an effective option. Bouldering psychotherapy (BPT) combines psychotherapeutic interventions with action-oriented elements from the field of climbing. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of BPT compared with a home-based exercise program (EP - active control group, superiority trial) and state-of-the-art cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT – non-inferiority trial). Methods The study is being conducted as a multicentre randomised controlled intervention trial at three locations in Germany. Participants are being randomised into three groups: BPT, CBT, or EP, each with a 10-week treatment phase. A power analysis indicated that about 240 people should initially be included. The primary outcome of the study is the Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) directly after the intervention. Additional measurement points are located three, six, and 12 months after the end of the intervention. The data are being collected via computer-assisted telephone interviews. Statistical analyses comprise regression analyses to test for the superiority of BPT over EP. To test for the non-inferiority of BPT and CBT, a non-inferiority margin of 1.9 points in the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and two non-inferiority margins for the MADRS (half of the two smallest Cohen’s d values from the current meta-analyses) was predefined. The mean difference between CBT and EP is being used as a supplementary equivalence margin.

Background Many patients with chronic diseases use complementary therapies, often provided by their physicians. In Germany, several physician-provided complementary therapies have been reimbursed by health insurance companies as part of health benefit programs. In most of these therapies, the patient has a predominantly passive role. In eurythmy therapy, however, patients actively exercise specific movements with the hands, the feet or the whole body. The purpose of this study was to describe clinical outcomes in patients practising eurythmy therapy exercises for chronic diseases. Methods In conjunction with a health benefit program, 419 outpatients from 94 medical practices in Germany, referred to 118 eurythmy therapists, participated in a prospective cohort study. Main outcomes were disease severity (Disease and Symptom Scores, physicians' and patients' assessment on numerical rating scales 0–10) and quality of life (adults: SF-36, children aged 8–16: KINDL, children 1–7: KITA). Disease Score was documented after 0, 6 and 12 months, other outcomes after 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and (SF-36 and Symptom Score) 48 months

The Institute of Movement Therapy and Movement-oriented Prevention and Rehabilitation at the German Sport University Cologne deals with research and teaching on the influence of physical activity and sport on health. The research areas range from the prevention and promotion of health to rehabilitation and therapy. The Institute of Movement Therapy and Movement-Oriented Prevention and Rehabilitation at the German Sport University Cologne is divided into two departments and one working group: -Movement-oriented Prevention and Rehabilitation Sciences -Neurology, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychiatry -Working Group Physical Activity-Related Prevention Research

Dance Movement Therapy is the evidence-based use of dance and movement in therapy for promoting physical, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual integration of individuals and systems of individuals. As an arts therapy approach it has the potential to contribute to activation, stabilization and recovery in the context of prevention, acute intervention, and rehabilitation. In both research and clinical practice, there is an increasing interest in dance movement therapy approaches as an significant enhancement to standard care. Dance movement therapists do not work exclusively in traditional settings such as psychiatry, psychosomatic medicine, or special education. Dance Movement Therapy is also applied in neurology, oncology, cardiovascular medicine, etc. and increasingly in preventive care. Dance movement therapists work in the following fields: -Psychiatry Psychosomatics and psychotherapy -Neurology -Geriatrics -Forensic Contexts -Pediatrics -Intensive medicine centers (for example neurology, oncology, pain) and sub-acute care facilities -Psychosocial institutions for children and families with special needs, disabilities and early intervention -Institutions of prevention and education (e.g., schools, youth offers, kindergardens) The applied master’s degree in dance movement therapy at the SRH University Heidelberg was developed within the framework of European alignment and recognition of university degrees (the Bologna Process) and accredited in 2012. It offers graduates of artistic or psychosocial study programs a qualified education in dance movement therapy. In contrast to other master’s degrees in Germany ...this program is designed as a two-year full-time program and generally begins in the winter semester on October 1st. The program details can be found in the official program handbook. The program consists of 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) points, and students earn an accredited degree that gives access to world-wide access to doctoral programs. The language of the program is English.

• In Austria and Germany in particular, climbing as therapy is well-established, with educational courses on the topic, books and even hospitals boasting climbing facilities. Scientific research into the positive effect of climbing in the areas of physiotherapy, ergotherapy and psychotherapy is growing, to provide solid evidence for its use as an alternative therapy. • In ergotherapy (the treatment of a disease or injury through appropriate physical effort) we work mostly with children and focus on something called sensory integration, a concept within ergotherapy. We work mostly with children with ADHD and those with learning disabilities. These courses are always full. If you start a course in a big city there are waiting lists since so many children are diagnosed with ADHD, perhaps even overdiagnosed. The next largest group within ergotherapy is rehabilitation for patients who have suffered from a stroke. • In physiotherapy there is a really wide range of patients, because we have the advantage in climbing that the whole body is working - no limb is neglected - you can train the abdominals, back, hands, arms and legs and so on, there is no specific focus. It's not only for orthopaedic patients though, some therapists are specialised in neurological programs and this is the area with the most scientific proof that climbing therapy works.

• About the Institute for Climbing Therapy History It all started when we opened our Climbing Gym in the town of Salzburg (Austria) in 2005. We commenced with ordinary courses but soon we began to teach climbing instructors (in Austria this is a matter of the State). And two of us where psychologist/Psychotherapist (Alexis) and an experiential educator (Albert) which inevitably lead us to use climbing in our fields. It worked so well in both of these areas that after some years we began to give courses (in Austria in German Language) for interested practitioners from very different psycho-social fields. And after some years we also offered courses in the realm of physiotherapy and occupational therapy, finding experienced therapist who wanted to share their expertise. And every year after we got more and more emails from around the world asking if there will be courses taught in English. So here are we now, starting the first english course in August of 2018. Theory & Practice of Teaching We think a lot about the pedagogic concept of our courses and try to adept our contents respectively methods to every specific group. A basic method is that we alternate constantly between theory and practice, so that you won’t sit for a long time and the combination of learning something and to experience it will be possible. Another concepts that we count on is the neurobiology of learning and John Hattie´s scientific findings. Goal of the courses Qualifying the participants to plan and conduct programs using climbing as a psychological or pedagogical tool, including the choice of exercises and the verbal interactions before, during and after the action. “climbing helps with depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD...”

Knowledge about potential protective factors against mental health problems is highly needed. Regular physical activity (PA) in an outdoor environment, like mountain exercising, might reduce psychological distress. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to assess the prevalence of mental health problems in mountain exercisers and to detect factors associated with psychological distress. In a cross-sectional design, we collected self-reported data of 1,536 Austrian mountain exercisers. The prevalence of mental health problems and psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale), the level of PA International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and affective valence during PA (Feeling Scale) were obtained. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to assess factors influencing psychological distress. The prevalence of mental health problems in Austrian mountain exercisers was 14%. Health-enhancing PA level and higher affective valence during PA were significantly associated with lower psychological distress. Minimal PA level was not significantly associated with lower psychological distress compared to inactive PA level. Marital status, education, alpine association membership, and body mass index did not show a significant influence on psychological distress. The prevalence of mental health problems seems to be lower in Austrian mountain exercisers compared to the European population. A health-enhancing PA level and affective valence increasing forms of PA were shown to be associated with lower psychological distress. Results might lead to interventional studies focusing on the potential of outdoor PA, e.g., mountain exercise, as an adjunct treatment in people at risk or with mental health problems.

OBJECTIVE: The following crossover pilot study attempts to prove the effects of endurance training through mountain hiking in high-risk suicide patients. METHOD: Participants (n=20) having attempted suicide at least once and clinically diagnosed with hopelessness were randomly distributed among two groups. Group 1 (n=10) began with a 9-week hiking phase followed by a 9-week control phase. Group 2 (n=10) worked vice versa. Assessments included the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Scale of Suicide Ideation (BSI), and maximum physical endurance.

Purpose of the Study Although the potential benefits of sport and exercise seem promising, little is known about how these benefits may be gained in people with mental health illness (Faulkner et al., 2015), particularly in people living with PTSD. There is a need to understand holistically and in-depth how sport and exercise should be facilitated to meet individual and collective needs, which precautions are to be considered, how potential benefits toward recovery can be gained, and which processes relate to which effects (cf. Caddick & Smith, 2014; Day & Wadey, 2016; Fetzner & Asmundson, 2015; Levine & Land, 2016). Understanding these issues would increase the possibility of effectively and adequately planning and implementing sport and exercise programs in this population. In response to this paucity of knowledge, this study aims to describe and explain therapeutic processes and effects taking place in a sport and exercise program with war and torture survivors. War and torture survivors face serious health issues with a high prevalence of PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorders due to their experiencing traumatic events, forced migration, and acculturation challenges in a new, culturally and linguistically different society. Therefore, we conducted a holistic, single case study attempting to provide an in-depth and nuanced account of a single participant, and construct a more holistic understanding of the complex phenomena of diverse processes and effects of sport and exercise in relation to specific individual needs and recovery processes (cf. Day & Wadey, 2016; Stake, 1995; Yin, 2014). Intervention: Sport and Exercise Therapy Program Movi Kune Since 2013, the sport and exercise psychology department (University of Vienna, Austria) and the care center for torture and war survivors Hemayat have been working together in this project, offering sport and exercise therapy as an adjunctive offer to psychotherapy. Each year, war and torture survivors in the care of Hemayat participated in gender-separated groups (on average 5–10 participants per group). The male group of 2014 was facilitated by two trainers/facilitators and one sport and exercise therapist, and was accompanied by a trauma-expert. The intervention was conducted for 3 months, with two weekly sessions of 90 minutes each. The contents and strategies were multimodal in nature and were documented up-front and revised after each session, as the program was continuously adapted to the needs and interests of the participants to augment motivation and adherence to physical activity. For example, in the intervention group of this study, the participants often expressed their wish to play basketball, although different sports and games (Tchoukball, Ultimate Frisbee, and other ball games) were introduced. The program was based on sport, exercise, and movement therapy principles, including the dimensions of training, learning, and experiencing, a perspective on Salutogenesis and health literacy (see Ley, Lintl, & Movi Kune Team, 2014). Various tools were applied, including modified sports, dance, and games; respiration and relaxation techniques; movement tasks, body awareness and grounding exercises; and endurance, resistance, coordination, and mobilization exercises. Nonverbal methods were combined with verbal techniques, applying mainly person-centered communication. Group processes were managed by regulating the degree and method of social interaction and physical contact, by providing the individual choice to opt-out and opt-in, and by fostering self-regulation of the training load, own level of engagement, and role in the team. The continuous participation of a trauma-expert in the intervention was crucial to work within the limits of competences and to deal in the best possible way with potential trauma triggers and exposure to negative experiences (Ley, Krammer, Lippert, & Rato Barrio, 2017; Ley & Rato Barrio, 2017).

The European Network of Active Living for Mental Health (ENALMH) established network which aims to promote the use of Sport & wider context of Mental Health. It is seated at Brussels, Belgium and operates under the Belgian Law with the legal form of an international not for profit Association (AISBL members from 11 countries (IT, UK, SP, GR, CZ, PT, IE, HR, LI, SI and TR). ENALMH as a European umbrella organization doesn’t provide direct services to beneficiaries or doesn’t develop interventions at national level. It focuses at  -the development of policies and tools co (ALMH)  -the establishment of campaigns and other communication activities to promote the overall ALMH movement  -the support of its members to spread the messages and implement policies at national level within their Within this context ENALMH cooperates with  -EU institutions and Agencies  the public sector (state, regional or local authorities and NHS),  -Education and Research institutions  -EU and international Networks and Federations of the Health  -Non profit and for profit entities of the private sector  -Health and Sport professionals ENALMH is a member of “Mental Health Europe” and “Sport & Citizenship” and cooperates closely among others with International Sport and Culture EUFAMI, GAMIAN-Europe and a large range of Universities Europe wide and beyond. Recently ENALMH has been registered in the EU Public Health Platform and the Agora Network operated by the EC / D.G. Health.

European Awareness Campaign Connecting Mental Health with Sport& Physical Activity ''Life is like a bike"

Quality of life and physical exercise in caregivers of patients with mental illness: The chronic stress experienced by caregivers of persons with mental illnesses has been shown to be associated with adverse effects on their own mental health and overall quality of life, increasing the risk of severe symptoms of anxiety and depression, and sleep disorders.

The main objective of the study will be to illustrate the impact degree of physical activity on people affected by disasters and crises and particularly on sensitive social groups such as children both inside and outside the school environment. An extensive bibliographic review will be undertaken to highlight the importance of planning and implementing physical activity programs. Finally, it will be investigated the way sports and physical activity can help people build their mental resilience to overcome disaster wounds.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of an exercise program on psychological factors of patients with schizophrenia. Thirty (30) patients with schizophrenia separated in three groups (control group, experiment group A and experiment group B) of 10 individuals, took part in an eight weeks exercise program combining physical activity with token economy behavioral treatment. Data included the use of SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ), the instrument Profile of Mood States (POMS), the Body-Cathexis Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale which were selected and administered prior, during, and after application of the exercise program, as well three months after the completion of the exercise program (follow up).

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of Greek traditional dances on the improvement of old people's quality of life. A hundred and eleven subjects (75 women and 36 men) 60–91 years old, were divided into an experimental group (n = 76) which participated in Greek traditional dances and a control group (n = 35) which was discussing and watching television, both for 1 h. The Subjective Exercise Experiences Scale [McAuley, E., Courneya, K., 1994. The Subjective Exercise Experiences Scale (SEES): development and preliminary validation. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology 16, 163–177] was used to measure positive well-being, psychological distress, and fatigue and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory [Spielberger, C.D., Gorsuch, R., Lushene, R., 1970. Manual for the State-trait Anxiety Inventory. Consulting Psychologists, Palo Alto] to measure state and trait anxiety respectively.

The article stresses the significance of dance therapy in the school environment. It is based on a research conducted in two Greek public schools, although dance therapy is not yet used in the Greek education system. However, the revised school curriculum gives the opportunity for dance therapy practice. The aim of the research was to ascertain whether dance therapy could contribute to the development of the students’ social and emotional skills. The 23 participants were 16–17 years old and were divided in groups: the experimental group which consisted of 11 students and the control group which consisted of 12.

Aim of the present research was planned to examine: a) the perceptions of professionals of mental health with regard to the use of physical activity when working with patients with psychiatric disorders and b) to study professionals’ decisive factors for the promotion of physical activity in the working context. Material and Method: The sample of the research constituted of 173 professionals of mental health (men N = 52, women N = 121) from the state Psychiatric Hospital and other Mental health services in the area of Thessaloniki.