Activity Therapy

The origin of Activity Therapy

"Activity Therapy" and "recreational therapy" are often used interchangeably, with their origins traced back to occupational therapy (Bauerschmidt & Nelson, 2011).

Asclepiades, a Roman figure, supported the use of massage, therapeutic baths, and exercise to enhance the health of individuals with illnesses. Additionally, he endorsed activity-based treatments for mental health patients, encompassing diversions and entertainment such as music and arts (Santacroce et al., 2017). 

As Activity Therapy continues to evolve, its foundations remain rooted in the belief that purposeful engagement in recreational activities has the potential to transform lives. After World War II, people started seeing recreational activities as a way to help people who were sick or needed additional support. The Red Cross began offering programs for soldiers during the war, and after it ended, similar recreational therapy services were expanded to Veterans' Administration Hospitals. This idea kept growing, and soon, programs for recreational therapy were set up in state psychiatric hospitals and schools for people with mental challenges (Austin, 2004).

What are examples of Activity Therapy?

Recreational therapy includes various activities, ranging from sports programs to creative endeavors such as arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings (National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification, n.d.). Most recreational therapists work to make people's lives better through different approaches, including but not limited to:

Creative arts

In Activity Therapy, creative arts involve enjoyable activities like painting or making music led by certified specialists. These activities contribute to both physical or social skills and mental well-being, fostering a positive sense of accomplishment in individuals.

Physical activity

Physical activity incorporates specific exercises, from simple stretches to more involved workouts, designed to enhance physical and mental well-being. These activities promote a healthy lifestyle and help individuals build self-confidence through targeted movements.

Outdoor activities

Taking therapy outdoors, this aspect of Activity Therapy includes nature walks, gardening, or community sports. Beyond the physical benefits, these activities encourage social interaction with community resources, allowing individuals to develop and practice social skills while enjoying the therapeutic aspects of being in an outdoor environment.

Benefits of Activity Therapy

A vital part of the therapy process is helping people feel better and achieve specific goals that make a difference in how they experience life. Engaging in Activity Therapy offers multifaceted benefits for both psychological and physical health. Here are some of its benefits:

Increases self-esteem

Certified therapeutic recreation specialists organize fun and purposeful activities to boost individuals' confidence and self-worth. By giving opportunities for success, these activities help improve how people feel about themselves, making them emotionally stronger and more accomplished. 

Improves functional independence after an injury

Activity Therapy benefits those recovering from a physical injury, often in nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities. Through activities aimed at specific goals, individuals work on regaining their ability to do things independently, enhancing their independence after an injury.

Doing simple exercises twice a week for eight weeks could help the aging population in nursing homes feel better physically, mentally, and functionally. Exercise positively changed how they moved, felt, and thought, suggesting that regular simple exercises prevent or reduce health problems and keep them more independent (Piedras-Jorge et al., 2010).

Increases strength and physical fitness

Activity Therapy plays a significant role in promoting physical health by making people stronger and fitter. Whether for kids or those in healthcare settings, participating in purposeful physical activities improves physical health and helps develop social skills and overall well-being.

Enhances emotional well-being

Activity therapy improves emotions, reduces stress, and fosters joy through purposeful activities. It builds social skills by promoting communication and relationship-building in group settings. It also alleviates negative feelings, offering a constructive outlet for stress, anxiety, and depression.

References

American Psychological Association. (2018, April 19). Activity therapy. https://dictionary.apa.org/activity-therapy

Austin, D. R. (2004). Therapeutic recreation: a long past, but a brief history. Palaestra, 20(1), 37–44. https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=AONE&u=googlescholar&id=GALE%7CA114366605&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-AONE&asid=1b78e64f

Bauerschmidt, B., & Nelson, D. L. (2011). The terms occupation and activity over the history of official occupational therapy publications. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 65(3), 338–345. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2011.000869

National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. (n.d.). About recreational therapy. https://www.nctrc.org/about-ncrtc/about-recreational-therapy/

Piedras-Jorge, C., Meléndez-Moral, J. C., & Tomás-Miguel, J. M. (2010). Beneficios del ejercicio físico en población mayor institucionalizada [Benefits of physical activity in nursing home residents]. Revista Española de Geriatría Y Gerontología, 45(3), 131–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.regg.2009.10.012

Santacroce, L., Bottalico, L., & Charitos, I. (2017). Greek medicine practice at ancient Rome: The physician molecularist Asclepiades. Medicines, 4(4), 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines4040092