Clinical Research Directory

Exergames in Mental Health

Sponsor: University of Salamanca

Summary

Mental health and stress-related disorders have a growing impact on physical functioning, motivation, and participation in daily activities. Several studies indicate that integrating physical therapy into mental health programs improves functional status, reduces associated physical symptoms (fatigue, muscle tension, somatization), and promotes emotional regulation through movement. However, its implementation in clinical services remains limited. This project proposes to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative mental health-oriented physical therapy program using active video games (exergames) on the Nintendo Switch platform, an accessible, motivating tool that can be adapted to each patient's functional level. Objective: To determine whether a structured physiotherapy program based on exergames promotes physical exercise, improves quality of life, and increases therapeutic adherence in patients with mental illness. Methods: An experimental pilot study will be conducted, implementing an intervention over 4 weeks, with 2 sessions per week lasting 40 minutes. Participants (n=12) will be assigned to an intervention group (exergames with Nintendo Switch) or a control group (usual routine). Quality of life, motivation, and therapeutic adherence will be assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life - BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire, the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, and a satisfaction questionnaire. Expected results: The intervention group is expected to show better quality of life, greater motivation to exercise, and greater adherence to treatment. It is also expected to demonstrate that exergames are a viable tool, accepted by patients and incorporable into mental health physical therapy programs.

Official title: Effectiveness of a Physical Therapy Intervention Using Exergames in Mental Health

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