Expert video Mental Health

From medication to movement: adapted physical activity as essential care

Adapted physical activity (APA) is increasingly recognised as an effective therapeutic tool in the treatment of mental disorders. It is much more than a simple addition to other treatments – it can become a care tool in its own right when structured, personalised and integrated into an overall care pathway.
This approach is part of a holistic vision of mental health, which complements drug treatments and promotes patients’ physical, mental and social well-being.

Nelly Heraud

Scientific evidence of the effectiveness of physical activity

The benefits of adapted physical activity have now been documented at several levels: Biological: physical activity promotes neuroplasticity, stimulates the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin and reduces inflammation, helping to regulate mood. Psychosocial: it strengthens self-esteem, self-efficacy and social interactions, allowing patients to break out of isolation and better manage their daily lives.

Key figures

  • Several studies show that 30 minutes of physical activity, 3 to 5 times a week, can reduce depressive symptoms by 20-30% in adult patients.
  • The WHO recommends including physical activities in care pathways to prevent and manage mental disorders.

Barriers and obstacles to including physical activity

Despite this evidence, physical activity remains under-prescribed in mental health care pathways. Several factors explain this situation: 

  • Patients’ and professionals’ fears: fear of excessive fatigue; concern about adaptation to specific disorders due to lack of information.
  • Institutional and organisational limitations: lack of coordination between medical teams and physical activity specialists; a lack of knowledge regarding prescription methods and support structures and complexities surrounding implementation.
  • Access and training: although university training in APA professions is accessible and there are no limits on student numbers, the profession still suffers from a lack of recognition. The obstacles identified are primarily financial and structural: coverage in France is still limited by the public healthcare system, Assurance Maladie (excluding long-term illness exemptions). This restricts access for the most vulnerable groups and there is a lack of long-term subsidies, meaning charities and organisations offering APA often depend on one-off funding. 

An individualised approach with regular follow-up and tailored assessment of capabilities is essential to maximise the benefits of APA.

APA: a treatment in its own right

To be fully effective, APA must be integrated into a structured care pathway: 

  • Initial assessment: evaluating the patient’s physical and mental capabilities.
  • Regular support: monitoring progress and adapting the programme.
  • Multidisciplinary coordination: ensuring collaboration between caregivers, psychologists, sports educators and other practitioners. Local and international initiatives show that this approach promotes prevention, overall remobilisation and social inclusion of patients. 

Teaching example: 

  • APA programmes in hospital units or sport-health facilities, combining physical activity with coaching and psychological support, have positive results on mental health and quality of life.

Perspectives and recommendations

To make APA a permanent part of healthcare practices: 

  1. Improve training and information for healthcare professionals, sports educators and patients.
  2. Expand prescription of APA and develop standardised APA protocols.
  3. Build bridges between care facilities, sports organisations and communities.
  4. Support the creation of dedicated positions within facilities (APA teachers).
  5. Evaluate and measure the impact on mental health to adjust practices and spread best practices. Highlight successes (testimonials, case studies).

Towards more holistic medicine

Adapted physical activity is a practical way of improving mental health and psychological support. Putting movement at the heart of the patient journey complements medication, prevents isolation and promotes overall well-being. 

This approach helps transform care practices by making them more human, more personalised and more focused on prevention. 

Find out more: 
APA Roundtable Replay & Mental Health – YouTube