Relaxation techniques Hydrotherapy Endurance training Biofeedback Multi-sensoral stimulation Balance and equilibrium training Muscle strengthening and flexibility exercises General mobility training Cycle ergonometry Relaxation techniques Hydrotherapy Endurance training Biofeedback Multi-sensoral stimulation Balance and equilibrium training Muscle strengthening and flexibility exercises General mobility training Cycle ergonometry Goal 1: psychological Self esteem and confidence increase, social isolation reduction Mood improvement Positive body image promotion Self management promotion Quality of life improvement Goal 2: physical Muscle strength and flexibility improvement Falls prevention and management Non-pharmacological pain management Weight control, cardiovascular endurance improvement Sleep improvementt Abstract Role of physical therapy services in improving mental health: a review Anna Szczegielniak 1, Jan Szczegielniak 2 People suffering from mental health disorders have higher levels of mortality and morbidity. Studies show increased prevalence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, respiratory disease and many more. Unfortunately, mental conditions are still neglected and not treated equally to other medical states. It’s commonly believed that psychiatric patients are violent and unpredictable, even though they are more likely to be a victim of violence themselves. This attitude results in unwillingness to have any relations with mental patients due to fear of them being aggressive. Connection between physical well-being and mental health is well known. Physical therapists have necessary knowledge and skills to support development of individual independence, anxiety management and lifestyle control in order to keep patients healthier. It can be done by specially designed treatment programs consisting of exercises, manual techniques and physical medicine procedures. Physiotherapy expertise is particularly important for the elderly population with mental illness and dementia. It seems that maintaining physical activity can not only prevent mental disorders from development, but also improve mental well-being in general. Unfortunately, due to lack of understanding of this valuable connection, there is still insufficient emphasis on the presence of physiotherapist in the multidisciplinary therapeutic team on psychiatric wards. People suffering from mental health disorders have higher levels of mortality and morbidity. Studies show increased prevalence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, respiratory disease and many more. Unfortunately, mental conditions are still neglected and not treated equally to other medical states. It’s commonly believed that psychiatric patients are violent and unpredictable, even though they are more likely to be a victim of violence themselves. This attitude results in unwillingness to have any relations with mental patients due to fear of them being aggressive. Connection between physical well-being and mental health is well known. Physical therapists have necessary knowledge and skills to support development of individual independence, anxiety management and lifestyle control in order to keep patients healthier. It can be done by specially designed treatment programs consisting of exercises, manual techniques and physical medicine procedures. Physiotherapy expertise is particularly important for the elderly population with mental illness and dementia. It seems that maintaining physical activity can not only prevent mental disorders from development, but also improve mental well-being in general. Unfortunately, due to lack of understanding of this valuable connection, there is still insufficient emphasis on the presence of physiotherapist in the multidisciplinary therapeutic team on psychiatric wards. The brain benefits of exercise Physical therapists role in improving mental health Exercises for MH patients 1 Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice 2 Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology References 1.Sharma A, Madan V. Exercise for Mental Health, letter to Editor. Prim. Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry 2008; 8(2): Peluso MA, Andrade LH.. Physical activity and mental health: the association between exercise and mood. Clinics. 2005;60:61–70. 3.Fogarty M, Happell B, Pinikahana J.. The benefits of an exercise program for people with schizophrenia: a pilot study. Psychiatr Rehabil J. 2004;28:173–176.