Therapeutic Physical Activity as an Intervention in Psychotherapy

This study explores the integration of therapeutic physical activity as a complementary intervention in psychotherapy, highlighting its potential to enhance mental health outcomes. Grounded in a systematic narrative review of the literature, the article examines the physiological, psychological, and emotional mechanisms through which physical exercise contributes to the reduction of symptoms associated with anxiety, depression, and stress. The analysis is based on studies retrieved from databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus, covering publications between 2000 and 2024. A total of 35 studies were included after applying rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings indicate that structured physical activity—particularly aerobic exercise, mindfulness-based movement (e.g., yoga and tai chi), and psychomotor interventions—can significantly improve emotional regulation, quality of life, and adherence to psychotherapeutic treatment. The article also discusses the clinical applicability of integrating physical activity into psychotherapy, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment planning and interdisciplinary collaboration between mental health professionals and physical activity specialists. Despite promising results, the study acknowledges limitations such as heterogeneity in intervention protocols, reliance on self-reported measures, and potential publication bias. Overall, the research supports the view that combining physical and psychological approaches offers a promising, though context-dependent, strategy for improving mental health outcomes. Future research directions include the development of standardized intervention protocols and further investigation into different exercise modalities within psychotherapeutic contexts.