From Care to Motion: Physical Activity Advice in Mental Health Nursing Practice-A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

Despite the well-documented physical and mental health benefits of physical activity, people experiencing mental health challenges remain significantly less active than the general population. Mental health nurses are well positioned to promote physical activity in mental healthcare, yet little is known about their knowledge, attitudes and practices in this area, especially in Germany.

This cross-sectional study surveyed 347 mental health nurses in Germany using the German version of the Exercise in Mental Illness Questionnaire (EMIQ-G). The questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes, perceived barriers and recommendation behaviour regarding physical activity. This manuscript follows the STROBE reporting guidelines.

Most participants were aware of the benefits of physical activity and recommended it regularly. However, only 28.8% had received formal training, and several limitations were observed regarding the quality of the recommendations: many participants did not assess clients' suitability for physical activity, a substantial proportion did not specify an intensity level, and there was a noticeable emphasis on aerobic exercises at the expense of other activity types. Mental health nurses showed a strong interest in further education, particularly regarding client motivation and appropriate exercise types.

While mental health nurses in Germany recognise the importance of physical activity and frequently recommend it in their mental health nursing practice, gaps in training and implementation remain. Targeted educational interventions and structural support are essential to enhance the quality and consistency of physical activity promotion in mental health nursing. These findings can inform tailored strategies to empower nurses and ultimately improve health outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.