title: An evaluation of the need of the long-stay psychiatric patient for organised exercise.
abstract: Nine long-stay psychiatric patients, known to have had little organised exercise for some years, were involved in a programme of group physical activity for fourteen weeks following tests for body mobility as typified by range of head movement, length of stride and ability to raise the arms above the head. Positive physical gains were demonstrated relative to a non-exercising control group when tests were repeated at the end of the programme, and greatest benefit appeared to be derived by patients whose diagnosis included a degree of retardation or dementia. Every test subject exhibited some improvement in social behaviour, at least whilst in the group situation.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: McEWEN