[Exercise and physical training as interventions in gerontopsychiatry]

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychiatry
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Pharmacological treatments for mental disorders in older adults face efficacy and tolerability challenges.
• Nonpharmacological interventions are crucial for this demographic.
• Structured exercise is a well-supported intervention for mental and cognitive health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current scientific evidence on structured exercise for mental disorders in older adults.
• To explore the mechanisms of action, clinical effects, and modalities of exercise interventions.

Main Methods:

• Selective literature search.
• Review of existing scientific evidence.

Main Results:

• Structured exercise demonstrates significant evidence for preventing and treating mental and cognitive disorders.
• Evidence covers mechanisms of action, effects on common disorders, and intervention types.

Conclusions:

• Structured exercise is a vital nonpharmacological strategy for older adults with mental health conditions.
• Further understanding of exercise modalities can optimize therapeutic outcomes.