Physical activity in persons with schizophrenia is associated with improvement of physical health parameters, reductions in depression and anxiety and an increased social interaction and psychological well-being. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of an exercise programme on improving mood profile of 30 patients with schizophrenia, separated in three groups (control group, experiment group A and experiment group B) of 10 individuals. Data from patients with schizophrenia collected using the instrument Profile of Mood States which was selected and administered prior, during and after application of the exercise programme. Repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc paired t-test were used to examine the short-term effect of the exercise programme prior and after the 1st, the 12th and the 24th training session between and within groups, respectively. The eight weeks duration of the exercise programme was conducted combining physical activity with behavioural treatment so as to promote exercise behaviour and minimise drop out risk.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of an exercise program on improving self-image and self-esteem of thirty (30) patients with schizophrenia. The sample was separated randomly in three groups of 10 individuals, that is, a control group, an exercise observation with tokens group (experiment group A) and an actual exercise with tokens group (experiment group B). Data from patients with schizophrenia collected using the Body-Cathexis Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale which were selected and administered to participants prior and after the application of the exercise program. The 8 weeks duration of the exercise program was conducted combining physical activity with behavioristic treatment so as to promote exercise behavior and minimize drop out risk.

(…) It is necessary to change the way we see physical activity and begin to see it as something we do because we appreciate the positive changes it brings to our physical and mental health as well as our overall well-being. (…) Therapeutic exercise is a proven method of treating people with depression and physiotherapists work with patients who are depressed in combination with other long-term physical health problems. Being and staying physically active will help improve your physical and mental health. Contact a Physiotherapist and discover the therapeutic exercise or activity that will entertain you and improve your mental and physical health. (…) Physiotherapy in mental health aims to optimize the well-being and empowerment of the individual through the promotion of functional movement, motor empathy, physical activity, exercise, combining physical and mental characteristics. Physiotherapists in the field of mental health provide: -health promotion, -preventive programs, -individual & group therapy, -participate in therapeutic groups. (…) Physical therapy in mental health is based on the available scientific and optimal clinical evidence. It contributes to the sustainability of the dignity of our mentally ill fellow human beings and plays an essential role in the treatment of mental disorders both in adults (depression, anxiety disorders, psychosis, personality disorders, dementia, etc.) and in children suffering from autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavioral problems, mental retardation, learning disabilities, developmental disorders, etc. (…) The physiotherapists / members of “Panhellenic Association of Physiotherapists have the necessary skills, experience and support of the Greek state (article 4 and 6 of Law 4461 / Government Gazette 38, vol. A / 28-3 -2017) to help and facilitate on an equal footing with other professionals who provide mental health services, the promotion of an active lifestyle resulting in the health and well-being of people with mental illness. (…)

• The successful end-of-project Closing Conference ended on 24th of October and confirmed once more the importance of preparing a common European ground for policy guidelines on Physical Activity and Mental Health. The Conference included research papers and presentations of practices on physical activity for mental health worldwide, as well as personal testimonies. Special emphasis was given to the fruitful dialogue among the speakers and the audience for the connection of the two fields, sharing not only best practices but also personal experiences and stories. • The Conference, does not signifies the end of the EVENTS Project but a starting point for new initiatives, aiming at Active Living and the development of the Active Living for Mental Health movement, as Mr. Nicos Andreopoulos, EVENTS Project Manager and Secretary General of "ENALMH" Network mentioned at his opening speech.

Depression is common in chronic heart failure (CHF) and is associated with poor quality of life (QoL), increased morbidity, frequency of hospitalizations and mortality. Research suggests that depression in CHF populations improves during exercise training rehabilitation programs. Nevertheless, findings regarding the magnitude of improvement are inconsistent. Also, it has not been demonstrated whether exercise training is more or less effective in treating depression in CHF, compared to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) which are currently the standard pharmacological treatment of depression.

• Lifestyle factors facilitating mental health: Literature refers to several such factors, as vivid light and fresh air; time in nature; avoiding negative thinking; regular, quiet sleep; daily, spiritual exercises; systematic physical exercise; deep breathing exercises; the positive effect of classical music; health nutrition and diet; healthy relationships; recreation; relaxation and stress management; religious or spiritual involvement; service to others, unconditional love, etc. • Systematic Physical Exercise: can soothe the feeling of deep melancholy and depression as effectively as antidepressant drugs (Heath and Wilkerson, 2018). Such exercise can be aerobics, such as walking, jogging, swimming, cycling and it is recommended for at least 3 times per week for 30 minutes each time. Another study has shown that vigorous physical activity was a protective factor for depressive symptoms, while insufficient physical activity was associated with various psychological problems, such as depression

The purpose of this study was to investigate and record the knowledge of Cypriot educators, in regards to Development Disorders and Movement Coordination. According to the Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – V (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), 5-7% of school age children are directly influenced. Also, the study investigated whether previous work experience of educators is related to overall knowledge on the issue. The participants in the study were 107 junior school teachers from various schools in Cyprus. Of these, 18 were male and 89 females, and they all answered an anonymous knowledge questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 31 open ended and closed questions as well as multiple choice questions covering the entire spectrum of Development Disorders and Movement Coordination. This specific questionnaire has been used in similar research studies in Greece (Tziva-Kostala, Douroukas, Kostala & Kourtessis, 2009). In this investigation, the unsuitability of the questionnaire has been confirmed in a pilot study.

Background: Levels of physical activity and happiness may impact the health and performance of future doctors. The specific relationship between physical activity and happiness among first year medical students is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate these variables and how they relate within first year, graduate entry Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery students studying in Cyprus. Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were provided for all first year medical students at the St. George’s University of London medical programme delivered by the University of Nicosia Medical School in Cyprus. Physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form and happiness was assessed using the Short Depression Happiness Scale. Surveys were completed by 79 of the 120 students (median age of 24 years). Happiness and continuous measures of physical activity amounts were investigated using spearman’s rank-order correlation. Mann-Whitney U Tests were used to make further comparisons between the physical activity levels across happy and depressed groups and gender, as well as to compare the levels of happiness reported by each gender.

Purpose To explore the effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) and Guided Imagery (GI),in reducing anxiety levels among parents of children diagnosed with any type of malignancy receiving active treatment at a Paediatric Oncology Unit in Republic of Cyprus and in Greece. Method A randomized non-blinded control trial was conducted between April 2012 to October 2013, at two public paediatric hospitals. Fifty four eligible parents of children hospitalized with a malignancy were randomly assigned to the intervention (PMR and GI) (n = 29) and a control group (n = 25). The study evaluated the changes in anxiety levels(HAM-A) and mood changes(POMSb).

• The Pancyprian Association of Physiotherapists conducted the following activities to celebrate World Physical Therapy Day 2018: - The flyer was translated into Greek and sent to all members of the association. -A press release was prepared and distributed to all mass media. -A member of the Board was invited to four local TV and two radio stations. There he conveyed to the public the message of the day “Physical therapy and Mental Health” and explained the value of physical therapy for the body and mental health problems of the global population. -An event was organised at Acropolis Public Park in Nicosia, on 8th September 2018 from 09.00 to 20.00, where four physiotherapists volunteered their services demonstrating to the public, adults and children various physical and functional exercises. The public found it very interesting and was actively involved. Members of the Executive Committee also advised people on the benefits of physiotherapy and distributed leaflets about the profession. -Thirteen physiotherapy and rehabilitation centers in Cyprus offered their services free to the public.

The Republic of Cyprus became an independent state in 1960. It has been de facto divided since 1974. Efforts over the past 30 years to solve the Cyprus problem and reunify the island have not yet been successful yet. Various attempts have been made at different levels from politicians, professionals and the United Nations to bring the two communities on the island together but again these attempts have been without success. Sport has never been utilized in these attempts. Sports carry specific rules, norms and values that are in many instances more flexible than the ones adapted in general in social settings. Sport has been perceived as being a great socialization agent. The code of ethics in sports allow participants to interact at a different level, thus developing trust that can be transferred to other areas of life. Thus, the organization of summer camps through the “Doves Olympic Movement” presents the first attempt on the island of Cyprus to utilize sport and related activities to build trust in Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot children. The purpose of the project was to enhance favourable development and relationships between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot youths from the two communities in conflict. This paper examines the impact that the summer camps had on the children and instructors who participated in the camps, and how this participation managed to change their perceptions in relation to specific issues.

ABC for mental health in Denmark. Aim is to promote the mental health in Denmark. Target group (everyone), period: 2016-2021