In addition to cognitive behavioural therapy or medication, exercise can also help people overcome mental health issues. Movement scientist Minke van de Kamp investigates the benefits of psychomotor therapy for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“Running therapy for people with depression is fairly well-known, but exercise offers much more for other target groups with mental health complaints such as anxiety, addiction or psychosis,” explains Minke van de Kamp. She holds a degree in movement science, works as a psychomotor therapist in mental healthcare, and is also completing her PhD at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Her work and research focus on individuals with PTSD.
“I’ve always been interested in exercise and people’s well-being. I have personally derived a lot of pleasure from exercise in my life,” says Van de Kamp. “When I was introduced to psychomotor therapy during my studies, it immediately made sense: exercise really does improve your mood.”
In her research and work, the movement scientist focuses on the relationship between trauma and the body. “Sometimes conventional treatments, such as exposure therapy or EMDR, are not effective, and psychomotor therapy can help the patient,” explains Van de Kamp. Patients with PTSD often carry a lot of tension in their bodies. This tension can go in two directions: “The tension can become too high, causing patients to be on constant high alert and easily startled. Alternatively, there can too little tension, in which case the patient becomes limp, tired, drained or numb.”
Do patients immediately start running or doing strength training? “No, it’s not that simple,” Van de Kamp explains. “The type of exercise that’s suitable depends entirely on the complaints. If patients feel weak or worthless, a vigorous form of exercise, such as strength training or boxing, might be helpful.” She emphasises that it differs for each patient. “For high levels of tension in the body, yoga or breathing exercises might be a better choice.”
The key is for patients to learn to become more aware of their bodies, according to Van de Kamp: “To feel how you’re breathing or where the muscle tension is, or where the emotion is felt in your body. We use the body and movement to reach something mentally.”
Observation
In her research, Van de Kamp focuses on an observation tool used during psychomotor therapy. During four psychomotor activities (throwing a ball, boxing against a punching bag, a relaxation exercise and approaching someone), the patient is observed to gain insight into what’s important for the treatment. “Sometimes the patient can’t articulate in words what’s happening in their body, but when you provide feedback on the observations to the patient, it helps with their awareness and what’s needed in the treatment.”
Finding the right dosage and keeping going
Exercise can always help you feel better psychologically. It’s therefore important not to set the bar too high, emphasises Van de Kamp. “Doing something is better than doing nothing. If you can motivate yourself to walk but not to run, then enjoy going for a walk.”
Moreover, proper dosage is crucial. Van de Kamp says: “Whether you’re physically healthy or not, it’s essential to schedule rest days. You don’t want to overtrain and develop physical complaints as a result.” Psychomotor therapy provides concrete tools to help patients continue exercising after finishing the therapy.
In the future, Van de Kamp aims to investigate the long-term effects, such as how well patients continue exercising after their treatment and what this means for their symptoms.