La santé mentale complète : l'activité physique comme outil de promotion et de prévention


Paquito Bernard

Université du Québec à Montréal [UQAM]


Domaine : neurosciences, santé mentale et toxicomanies

Programme Chercheurs-boursiers - Junior 1

Concours 2018-2019

Physical activity includes active transport, leisure activities, household and occupational activities. Thus, a daily dose of physical activity can be calculated. Physical activity – mental health association is being supported by an increasing number of studies. Higher levels of physical activity are associated with greater well-being and lower psychiatric disorders in adults. By analogy with drug, when a molecule is effective to improve health, the identification of the most effective dose is necessary. I would identify the physical activity doses and characteristics improving mental health among adults with or without mental health disorders.

To this end, my research program will 1) identify the physical activity doses associated with well-being in canadian adults ; 2) understand the motivational factors associated with physical activity in adults with depressive disorders ; 3) explore the high dose of physical exercise effects on schizophrenia symptoms and well-being in adults with severe mental illness. Overall, the present research program will generate tremendous advancements for future physical activity recommendantions and improve multidisciplinary interventions in adults with mental disorder.

Lastly, a new tool to detect the first signs of scoliosis, that will help the physician decide referral relevance of the young patient with suspected scoliosis, will be validated. The objective is to demonstrate that this tool is reliable and leads to a valid referral decision in the appropriate time frame for patients in orthopedics.