Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Physiotherapy in Mental Health
Course Code
REK_275
Branch of Science
Health sciences; Other Sub-Branches of Health and Sports Science
ECTS
2.00
Target Audience
Rehabilitation
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Didzis Rozenbergs
Structure Unit Manager
Liāna Deklava
Structural Unit
Department of Rehabilitation
Contacts
Riga, 26a Anninmuizas boulevard, rk@rsu.lv, +371 20271291
About Study Course
Objective
The aim of the study course is to prepare physiotherapy students to work with persons with the most common mental health disorders - to achieve that students will be able to apply standardised assessment tools and clinical judgement skills in order to assess the impact of mental disorders on the functioning of the person, to include the reduction of these disorders in the therapeutic objectives and to select appropriate physiotherapy medical technologies for improving the functioning condition of the person and the reduction of mental health disorders.
Preliminary Knowledge
Knowledge and skills acquired in the study courses “Basic psychology in professional activity”, “Classification and evaluation of functioning, disability and health”, “Functional assessment and treatment in Physiotherapy I”, “Physiology”, “Anatomy” and “Basics of human movements and motor control”.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Able to explain basic principles of physiotherapy in the context of mental health
Individual work and tests
Individual work • Exam
2.Able to explain the potential, principles and methods of physiotherapy, such as body-mind techniques and physical training, both for the primary and secondary prevention of mental health disorders and for the reduction of functional disorders related to mental health.
Individual work and tests
Group work • Individual work • Seminar • Exam
3.Will be able to describe the standardised mental health disorder screening and assessment tools used in physiotherapy.
Individual work and tests
Exam
4.Will be able to explain concepts used in physiotherapy such as body-mind unity, self-awareness and body awareness.
Individual work and tests
Seminar • Individual work
5.Able to describe providing first aid in case of suicide risk.
Individual work and tests
Individual work
Skills
1.Will be able to use standardised assessment and screening instruments in the work of a physiotherapist in the context of mental health.
Individual work and tests
Exam
2.Will be able to apply physical exercises, such as strength and endurance exercises in the context of mental health, using standardised load-dosing approaches.
Individual work and tests
Group work • Exam
3.Will be able to apply meditation exercises in physiotherapy in the context of mental health
Individual work and tests
Exam
4.Will be able to apply elements of mind-body techniques to physiotherapy in the context of mental health
Individual work and tests
Exam • Seminar
5.Will be able to implement patient education by explaining effects of physiotherapy medical technologies.
Individual work and tests
Seminar • Individual work • Exam
Competences
1.Will be able to choose meaningful and useful assessment, health promotion, disease prevention and prevention of functional disorders medical technologies in physiotherapy, for the restoration and provision of people's full mental health and related functioning.
Individual work and tests
Reflections • Exam • Individual work
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Individual work |
-
|
-
|
|
For independent work, this study course accounts for 33 hours to be used for the following purposes:
|
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Reflections |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
After each of the four study course classes, students must submit a reflection on their learning experience in a lesson in which students are invited to evaluate the acquired knowledge, find out directions for independent topic studies in the future and link their knowledge to the professional activities of a physiotherapist. Reflection submission students must be done within 24 h of the lesson. |
||
|
2.
Group work |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students, working on a team of a couple of people, solve a problem prepared by the teaching staff as part of the lesson - based on scientific literature, prepare a short report on load dosing for physical exercise in physiotherapy in the context of mental health disorders. At the end of the lesson, the group presents its report. |
||
|
3.
Seminar |
20.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students, working in small teams, prepare theoretical reports and practical demonstrations - on a variety of mind-body techniques, elements of which can be applied in physiotherapy in the context of mental health, thereby developing skills in the application of medical technologies |
||
|
4.
Exam |
40.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
In the exam, students individually solve a test prepared by teaching staff, made up of a number of different format questions. The test focuses on examining the knowledge acquired throughout the study course - understanding the knowledge provided during both lectures and classes. |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiotherapy and mental health: the role and fundamentals of physiotherapy
Description
Within the lecture, information is provided on the most important concepts related to mental health in physiotherapy, the need for physiotherapy in mental health disorders, basic principles of physiotherapy in the context of mental health and knowledge of the provision of first aid in case of suicide risk. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
3
|
Topics
|
Use of standardised evaluation tools
Description
As part of the lesson, students will become acquainted with the most commonly used screening and functional evaluation tools related to measuring the impact of mental health or the disorders it causes on functioning. As part of the lesson, the issue of formulating therapy objectives in physiotherapy will also be addressed. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physical exercises and mental health
Description
The lecture provides information on the impact of physical training, such as endurance and strength training, on various mental health indicators |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
3
|
Topics
|
Physical exercise dosing
Description
As part of the lesson, students will seek to find a solution for simulated clinical cases prepared by teaching staff, more specifically to address load dosing challenges for strength and endurance training in cases of various mental health disorders. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
The unity of mind and body, its importance in physiotherapy
Description
Within the lecture, information is provided on the essential concepts related to the unity of the body – mind, signs of body-mind unity, the importance of body-mind unity in physiotherapy. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Concept of body awareness in physiotherapy
Description
The lecture provides information on the concepts of self-awareness and body awareness, their role in physiotherapy and mental health |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
-
|
3
|
Topics
|
Meditation and breathing exercises
Description
As part of the lesson, students will try a variety of teaching staff-led meditation and breathing exercises, share their experiences of the potential benefits and challenges of applying such exercises. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Application of mind-body techniques in physiotherapy
Description
Within the lecture, information is provided on the impact of body-mind techniques in the case of mental health disorders, the importance of these techniques in physiotherapy and in the reduction of mental health disorders. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
-
|
3
|
Topics
|
Mind-body techniques
Description
As part of the lesson, students will be defenders of the group work reports they have produced by class. The report will consist of defending both the part of the theory and practicing elements of the established method – conducting a short lesson. As part of the seminar, the most common and scientific evidence-based mind body techniques – yoga, tai-chi, the Feldenkrais method and Jakobsson’s progressive relaxation – will be looked at. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
2.00
Contact hours:
22 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physiotherapy and mental health: the role and fundamentals of physiotherapy
Description
Within the lecture, information is provided on the most important concepts related to mental health in physiotherapy, the need for physiotherapy in mental health disorders, basic principles of physiotherapy in the context of mental health and knowledge of the provision of first aid in case of suicide risk. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
The unity of mind and body, its importance in physiotherapy
Description
Within the lecture, information is provided on the essential concepts related to the unity of the body – mind, signs of body-mind unity, the importance of body-mind unity in physiotherapy. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Concept of body awareness in physiotherapy
Description
The lecture provides information on the concepts of self-awareness and body awareness, their role in physiotherapy and mental health |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Physical exercises and mental health
Description
The lecture provides information on the impact of physical training, such as endurance and strength training, on various mental health indicators |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
Off site
|
E-Studies platform
|
2
|
Topics
|
Application of mind-body techniques in physiotherapy
Description
Within the lecture, information is provided on the impact of body-mind techniques in the case of mental health disorders, the importance of these techniques in physiotherapy and in the reduction of mental health disorders. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
-
|
3
|
Topics
|
Use of standardised evaluation tools
Description
As part of the lesson, students will become acquainted with the most commonly used screening and functional evaluation tools related to measuring the impact of mental health or the disorders it causes on functioning. As part of the lesson, the issue of formulating therapy objectives in physiotherapy will also be addressed. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
-
|
3
|
Topics
|
Physical exercise dosing
Description
As part of the lesson, students will seek to find a solution for simulated clinical cases prepared by teaching staff, more specifically to address load dosing challenges for strength and endurance training in cases of various mental health disorders. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
-
|
3
|
Topics
|
Meditation and breathing exercises
Description
As part of the lesson, students will try a variety of teaching staff-led meditation and breathing exercises, share their experiences of the potential benefits and challenges of applying such exercises. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
-
|
3
|
Topics
|
Mind-body techniques
Description
As part of the lesson, students will be defenders of the group work reports they have produced by class. The report will consist of defending both the part of the theory and practicing elements of the established method – conducting a short lesson. As part of the seminar, the most common and scientific evidence-based mind body techniques – yoga, tai-chi, the Feldenkrais method and Jakobsson’s progressive relaxation – will be looked at. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
2.00
Contact hours:
22 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Gupta S., Bharatha A., Cohall D., Rahman S., et all. Aerobic Exercise and Endocannabinoids: A Narrative Review of Stress Regulation and Brain Reward Systems. Cureus. 2024 Mar 4;16(3):e55468. doi: 10.7759/cureus.55468. PMID: 38440201; PMCID: PMC10910469.Suitable for English stream
2.
Ren J., Xiao H. Exercise for Mental Well-Being: Exploring Neurobiological Advances and Intervention Effects in Depression. Life (Basel). 2023 Jul 4;13(7):1505. doi: 10.3390/life13071505. PMID: 37511879; PMCID: PMC10381534.Suitable for English stream
3.
Ribarič S. Physical Exercise, a Potential Non-Pharmacological Intervention for Attenuating Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Decline in Alzheimer's Disease Patients. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Mar 17;23(6):3245. doi: 10.3390/ijms23063245. PMID: 35328666; PMCID: PMC8952567.Suitable for English stream
4.
Sejbuk M., Mirończuk-Chodakowska I., Witkowska A.M. Sleep Quality: A Narrative Review on Nutrition, Stimulants, and Physical Activity as Important Factors. Nutrients. 2022 May 2;14(9):1912. doi: 10.3390/nu14091912. PMID: 35565879; PMCID: PMC9103473.Suitable for English stream
5.
BRIEFING PAPER - HARNESSING PHYSIOTHERAPY SKILLS FOR MENTAL HEALTH SOLUTIONS: A CALL FOR ACTION IN EUROPE; Europe Region Mental Health Working Group; 2024Suitable for English stream
6.
Stearns ZR, Carvalho ML, Beneciuk JM, Lentz TA. Screening for Yellow Flags in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy: A Clinical Framework. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2021 Sep;51(9):459-469. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2021.10570. PMID: 34465140.Suitable for English stream
7.
Abellaneda-Pérez K, Potash RM, Pascual-Leone A, Sacchet MD. Neuromodulation and meditation: A review and synthesis toward promoting well-being and understanding consciousness and brain. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2024 Nov;166:105862. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105862. Epub 2024 Aug 24. PMID: 39186992.Suitable for English stream
8.
Schuman-Olivier Z, Trombka M, Lovas DA, Brewer JA, Vago DR, Gawande R, Dunne JP, Lazar SW, Loucks EB, Fulwiler C. Mindfulness and Behavior Change. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2020 Nov/Dec;28(6):371-394. doi: 10.1097/HRP.0000000000000277. PMID: 33156156; PMCID: PMC7647439.Suitable for English stream
Additional Reading
1.
The International Organization of Physical Therapy in Mental Health. Policy Statement: The Role of Physical Therapists Within Mental Health and Psychiatry. 2019Suitable for English stream
2.
N. Fotso M., Gonzalez N.A., Sanivarapu R.R., Osman U., et all. Association of Physical Activity with the Prevention and Treatment of Depression During the Postpartum Period: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2023 Aug 31;15(8):e44453. doi: 10.7759/cureus.44453. PMID: 37791151; PMCID: PMC10544133.Suitable for English stream
3.
Zhang Y., Jiang X. The effects of physical activity and exercise therapy on frail elderly depression: A narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Aug 25;102(34):e34908. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000034908. PMID: 37653827; PMCID: PMC10470792.Suitable for English stream
4.
Zisopoulou T., Varvogli L. Stress Management Methods in Children and Adolescents: Past, Present, and Future. Horm Res Paediatr. 2023;96(1):97-107. doi: 10.1159/000526946. Epub 2022 Sep 12. PMID: 36096110.Suitable for English stream
5.
Utināns, Artūrs. 1963. Cilvēka psihe :tās darbība, funkcionēšanas traucējumi un ārstēšanas iespējas. Rīga: Nacionālais apgāds, 2005.Suitable for English stream
6.
Clinical exercise physiology /Jonathan K. Ehrman ... [et al.], editors. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 2009.