Physiotherapists and physical activity in the treatment of unipolar depression and bipolar disorder
Sigijane, Matilde (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052315066
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052315066
Tiivistelmä
The number of individuals living with mental health disorders has been increasing worldwide since the 1990s. Physiotherapists have an important role in the treatment of mental health disorders by promoting and prescribing physical activity and exercise. The thesis objective was to research how physical activity could be used in the treatment of unipolar depression and bipolar disorder by physiotherapists. In addition, the thesis gives key physiotherapeutic steps in the process, including considerations for depressive episodes of bipolar disorder compared to unipolar depression.
Individuals with unipolar depression and bipolar disorder should first be guided towards daily physical activity for meeting the World Health Organisation guidelines for weekly physical activity. In depression, most of the research shows that individuals should be guided towards low- to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. At the same time, it is important to encourage individuals in a way most suitable for them. In bipolar disorder, physiotherapists can guide individuals towards maintaining a routine with physical activity and exercise, helping the disorder management and self-awareness. In manic episodes, exercises should include calm activities like stretching, relaxation, and self-massaging. Physical activity implementations in bipolar disorder need stricter monitoring and changes planned over longer periods of time to avoid rapid changes, which might lead to a manic episode.
In client education, the focus should be on changes the individuals might feel in mood, physical health, and disease management. Physiotherapists are encouraged to create SMART goals and have regular follow-up meetings with the client.
Although there are caps in current research when it comes to physical activity and exercise’s impact on depression and bipolar disorder, most of the research shows they are beneficial in symptom management. Further research on the topic is needed on the long-term benefits of physical activity and exercise on depression and bipolar mood disorder. These would help create more concrete guidelines for physiotherapists and other professionals.
Individuals with unipolar depression and bipolar disorder should first be guided towards daily physical activity for meeting the World Health Organisation guidelines for weekly physical activity. In depression, most of the research shows that individuals should be guided towards low- to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. At the same time, it is important to encourage individuals in a way most suitable for them. In bipolar disorder, physiotherapists can guide individuals towards maintaining a routine with physical activity and exercise, helping the disorder management and self-awareness. In manic episodes, exercises should include calm activities like stretching, relaxation, and self-massaging. Physical activity implementations in bipolar disorder need stricter monitoring and changes planned over longer periods of time to avoid rapid changes, which might lead to a manic episode.
In client education, the focus should be on changes the individuals might feel in mood, physical health, and disease management. Physiotherapists are encouraged to create SMART goals and have regular follow-up meetings with the client.
Although there are caps in current research when it comes to physical activity and exercise’s impact on depression and bipolar disorder, most of the research shows they are beneficial in symptom management. Further research on the topic is needed on the long-term benefits of physical activity and exercise on depression and bipolar mood disorder. These would help create more concrete guidelines for physiotherapists and other professionals.