The positive impact of exercise on reducing anxiety, depression, and low mood and improving confidence and wellbeing is well known. However, for patients in a mental health inpatient or secure setting, implementing exercise programs can be challenging due to constraints in space and resources.
In Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust’s mental health inpatient units, physical activity is regarded as an important therapeutic tool. Staff in both inpatient and secure settings look to incorporate physical activity into patient care, recognising its valuable role in supporting recovery. By offering activities suited to each patient’s individual needs, they help make physical exercise a supportive and accessible part of their recovery journey, encouraging better mental health and wellbeing.
To support patients health and wellbeing whilst in the Trust’s mental health inpatient settings, Health Stars were able to fund two new portable Cardio Walls which could be moved across the Trust to different inpatient units, potentially reaching a wide range of patients.
“Often, individuals with mental health conditions find exercising challenging due to factors such as low mood, medication-induced fatigue, and lack of confidence”, said Nigel Hewitson, Service Manager for Forensic Inpatient Services.
“To help overcome these barriers within our inpatient units, we introduced CardioWalls, which feature physical and cognitive games designed to make fitness enjoyable.”
The CardioWall caters to a wide range of abilities and fitness levels, and its mobility allows our patients to exercise outdoors when the weather permits. Additionally, it offers a valuable outlet for patients to manage and regulate their emotions.
"Since introducing the CardioWall, we've noticed many positive impacts on our patients. They enjoy using it as a fun and interactive activity, with some even engaging in friendly competition, which has helped strengthen their social connections.
“We've also found that it offers a calming effect for patients when they're feeling stressed or upset. For example, if someone is feeling frustrated, they can choose a program that allows them to interact with the wall using boxing gloves, providing a helpful outlet for their emotions." said Jordan Hepworth, Activity Coordinator at the Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit.
Funding equipment such as a CardioWall is part of Health Stars mission to provide the little extras that make a visit or stay in our services that little bit brighter.
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