Objective:

To analyze the effects of an integrated "Healthy ExerciseWalks in Outdoor Healing Environments" on the physical and psychosocial well-being of patients with depressive disorders over 65 years of age admitted to acute unit of Psychiatric hospitalization.

Method:

Experimental pilot study with an intervention group (N IG=32 subjects) and a control group (N CG=32 subjects). Preand post-intervention measurements were made with the Barthel index test, Guralnik Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Hamilton scale, a Get Up and Go Test and the Taxonomy NOC.

Results:

Significant progress of the IG is in functionality as Barthel test (0.036) and in corporal position as NOC (0.025), as well as decrease of depressive symptoms according to Hamilton (0.001).

Conclusion:

Physical activity contributes to the reduction of negative symptoms of depressive disorders and to the improvement of functionality for the performance of basic activities of an autonomous life, the role played by the professional nurse for adherence to the program of elderly patients hospitalized in a mental health unit.

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