Depressed patients accumulate a lot of barriers for participation
in exercise programs such as: a low self-concept,
loss of energy, interest and motivation, generalized fatigue,
weak physical fitness and health condition, fear to move
(movement phobia), social fear, being overweight, a low
feeling of personal control concerning own fitness and
health, and psychosomatic complaints. In order to improve
patient’s motivation and to optimize effects of exercise therapy
following recommendations for physical therapists are
helpful [44-45].
Anticipate the barriers for participation by an acquaintance
conversation.
Give information about mental and physical health benefits
of exercise.
Help the person find a form of physical activity that suits
them.
Draw up an individual plan with the patient taking into
account emotional, cognitive and physiological components
of depression.
Create exercise programs based on initial physical fitness
assessment and measurement of perceived exertion during
exercise.
Formulate realistic objectives improving exercise compliance
and motivation.
Adapt the moderate exercise stimulus to the individual’s
physical abilities, training status, expectations and goals, side
effects of psychotropic medication, exercise tolerance and
perceived exertion.
Follow the program with exercise cards and provide
regular progress feedback to the patients.
Avoid between-patient comparisons.
Focus on perceived fitness gains, achievement of personal
goals, mastery experiences and sense of control over
the body and its functioning.