The Fluidra Foundation, Fluidra, Obra Social Sant Joan de Déu, and Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu have announced the renewal of their partnership to continue groundbreaking research into the mental health benefits of aquatic physical activity. The agreement, which extends the collaboration until 2027, builds on the success of their initial alliance in 2021 and aims to expand the project “Sports and Mental Health: Using Swimming Pool Activities for Social Inclusion.”
The study, which concluded its first phase in 2023, has shown that pool-based physical activities significantly improve the quality of life for individuals facing mental health challenges. The renewed collaboration seeks to deepen the scientific exploration of these benefits through additional clinical trials, broaden the program’s reach to more participants, and integrate swimming pool sports as a key therapeutic tool within the healthcare system.
Strengthening Research and Expanding Impact
The new phase of the program, supported by the Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute, will focus on enhancing scientific research, incorporating new clinical trials, and increasing the number of direct beneficiaries. The goal is to establish aquatic exercise as a well-documented, evidence-based intervention for mental health conditions, accessible to individuals in need across Spain.
Xavi Servat, Manager of the Fluidra Foundation, emphasized the proven benefits of water-based exercise, stating, “Water exercise not only improves physical health but also boosts self-esteem, emotional well-being, and social integration. With this renewed commitment, we aim to strengthen an evidence-based intervention model that will improve the mental health of vulnerable populations through innovative and accessible therapies.”
Susana Ochoa, Coordinator of the Unitat de Recerca at the Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, explained, “The study shows that community-integrated activities improve social participation, reducing self-stigma, depression, and enhancing quality of life. By combining physical exercise with psychological support, we are able to offer more personalized treatments.”
Expanding the Study and Introducing New Research Lines
The program is in line with growing evidence of the positive effects of physical exercise on mental health and addresses the need for innovative therapeutic alternatives for individuals with mental health conditions. During its first phase, the project saw over 200 participants engage in aquatic exercises designed to enhance emotional well-being, self-esteem, and social interaction. This phase confirmed that water-based activities help reduce depressive symptoms, foster social integration, and combat stigma associated with mental health disorders.
Muhammad Afzal, a participant from the Xarxa de Salut Mental at the Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, shared his personal experience: “When I first started, I was isolated at home, not talking to anyone… Coming here has given me a new lease on life. I feel great, happy, and relaxed.”
Building on these results, the next phase will expand the sample size to 350 participants, including individuals with intellectual disabilities, severe mental health disorders, and depression, who are part of the Mental Health Network at Sant Joan de Déu Health Park.
Susana Ochoa noted that with the support of a grant from the Health Research Fund (FIS) of the Ministry of Health, the study will now include twelve healthcare centers across Spain. This expansion will extend the program to communities in Seville, Santander, and Mallorca, among other regions.
One of the most innovative elements of this new phase is the introduction of a clinical trial evaluating the combined effects of aquatic exercise and Metacognitive Training (MCT) on individuals with depression. This study will also examine gender differences in the intervention’s effectiveness, investigating whether integrating physical activity with tailored psychological strategies can offer enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
Promoting Social Inclusion Through Accessible Therapy
A central goal of the project is ensuring equitable access to aquatic physical activities for individuals with mental health conditions. Developed in partnership with Barcelona’s municipal sports network, the program offers a variety of activity options tailored to different levels of participant autonomy. These include guided group sessions, mixed activities with the broader community, and open pool access with ongoing support.
To eliminate economic barriers to participation, the project also offers financial assistance for purchasing sports equipment and covering transportation costs.
The impact of the program is not limited to participants alone. Health, sports, and social action professionals will benefit from new scientific data and tools that will enable them to recommend aquatic activities as part of mental health treatment plans.
Investment in the Future
To support the expansion of the study until 2027, a budget of €260,000 has been allocated for pool activities, research, and data analysis. This investment underscores the commitment of all partners to enhancing the therapeutic potential of aquatic exercise for mental health and fostering social inclusion through innovative, evidence-based approaches.
Through this partnership, Fluidra, Fundació Fluidra, and their collaborators aim to pave the way for new models of care that combine physical activity with mental health support to help those most in need.
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