Italy
Organisation: ASL 3 Genovese
Programme name: Insieme per lo Sport
City: Genoa
Sport / Physical activity: Football, Horseback Riding, Walking
Programme information, aims and objectives: The programme aims to reduce psychiatric symptoms and to enhance social integration, cognitive rehabilitation, and affective activation and regulation. It is complementary to other types of non-pharmacological treatments such as IMR and DBT Groups.
Participants: Participants are both males and females and are not divided by age groups. The programme covers a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including psychotic disorders, schizophrenia and personality disorders.
Sessions: The activity takes place in groups of 8 to 15 people and is followed by both qualified sports professionals and social and health workers. The person who follows the sports program is a professional trainer and the training is structured – i.e. each activity is determined by the instructor. The exercise takes place once a week and lasts on average between 60 and 90 minutes. The sessions are held outdoors, taking advantage of the benefits of the open air and contact with nature. The activity involves learning and perfecting new skills, especially motor, behavioural and social skills. The sessions include a plenary session / feedback at the end.
Evaluation/Measurement of outcomes: The sports program was evaluated, while the progress of the participants' mental well-being was measured at the beginning and at the end through the quality of life test (QoL Test) and a psychiatric / psychological assessment. Patients rarely leave the program and the evaluation was made through BPRS, SF 36.
Contact person: Clara Pitto
Email: clarapitto@iol.it
