In an effort to further enhance mental health care, the Fluidra Foundation, in collaboration with Fluidra, Obra Social Sant Joan de Déu, and Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, has renewed its partnership to continue researching the positive effects of aquatic physical activity on individuals with mental health challenges. The partnership, which has been active since 2021, will now be extended until 2027, ushering in a new phase aimed at deepening scientific understanding of how pool-based sports can benefit those suffering from severe mental disorders, including depression.
Expansion of Research and Impact
Building on the success of the first phase of the project, which concluded in 2023, the initiative demonstrated that regular participation in aquatic exercises leads to significant improvements in self-esteem, emotional well-being, and social integration for individuals with psychiatric conditions. The program has now expanded to reach more individuals and locations, with the goal of benefiting 350 individuals suffering from mental health issues across 12 new healthcare centers in Spain. These centers include new locations in Seville, Santander, and Mallorca.
The upcoming phase also introduces an exciting clinical trial designed to assess the combined impact of aquatic exercise and Metacognitive Training for people living with depression. This trial aims to explore how this innovative combination might offer enhanced therapeutic benefits for mental health treatment.
Accessibility and Community Integration
A crucial element of this program is ensuring accessibility to aquatic activities for individuals with mental health conditions. The program has been designed to include municipal sports centers in Barcelona, providing guided group sessions, mixed activities with local communities, and free access to pools with personalized support. To remove financial barriers, the initiative also assists with the purchase of sports equipment and transportation costs for participants.
Xavi Servat, the manager of Fundació Fluidra, emphasized the tangible benefits of the initiative: “It has been proven that exercising in water not only improves physical condition but also positively impacts self-esteem, emotional well-being, and social integration. With this renewal, we aim to consolidate an evidence-based intervention model and contribute to improving the mental health of the most vulnerable people through innovative and accessible therapies.”
A Research-Driven, Evidence-Based Approach
Backed by the Sant Joan de Déu Research Institute, this initiative operates under a scientific framework that ensures structured monitoring of outcomes. The main goal of this partnership is to establish an evidence-based intervention model, positioning aquatic exercise as a therapeutic tool that can be integrated into broader mental healthcare services. This approach is designed not only to improve the quality of life for those with mental health conditions but also to offer innovative and accessible therapies that can be replicated across various healthcare systems.
With a budget of EUR 260,000 allocated for pool activities, research, and data analysis, the Fluidra Foundation and its partners are committed to social innovation and improving the mental well-being of vulnerable populations. This partnership represents a forward-thinking model that could help reshape the landscape of mental health treatment in Spain and beyond.
Looking Ahead
As the program progresses, the collaboration between Fundació Fluidra, Fluidra, and Sant Joan de Déu continues to underscore the power of innovation in mental health care, showcasing how simple, accessible activities like aquatic exercise can have profound benefits for individuals living with mental health challenges. The ongoing research and clinical trials will continue to validate these findings, offering a promising path toward better mental health outcomes for those most in need.
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