Mental Health Nurses in Germany Lack Training and Consistency in Physical Activity Promotion

Mental health nurses in Germany are aware of the benefits of physical activity for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, but they often lack formal training and fall short in implementing recommendations. A recent study published in the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing highlights the need for targeted educational interventions and structural support to enhance the quality and consistency of physical activity promotion in mental health nursing. The study surveyed 347 mental health nurses in Germany and found that while most participants recommended physical activity, only 28.8% had received formal training. The nurses showed a strong interest in further education, particularly regarding client motivation and appropriate exercise types.

Key Takeaways:

• Only 28.8% of mental health nurses in Germany had received formal training on physical activity promotion.
• Mental health nurses in Germany frequently recommend physical activity, but they often lack the knowledge and skills to implement recommendations effectively.
• The most common type of exercise recommended by mental health nurses was aerobic exercise, with many participants failing to specify an intensity level or assess clients' suitability for physical activity.
• Mental health nurses in Germany showed a strong interest in further education, particularly regarding client motivation and appropriate exercise types.
• Targeted educational interventions and structural support are essential to enhance the quality and consistency of physical activity promotion in mental health nursing.
• The study's findings highlight the need for tailored strategies to empower nurses and ultimately improve health outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

Statistics:

• 28.8% of mental health nurses in Germany had received formal training on physical activity promotion.
• 71.2% of mental health nurses in Germany had not received formal training on physical activity promotion.
• 90% of mental health nurses in Germany recommended physical activity to their clients.
• 80% of mental health nurses in Germany did not assess clients' suitability for physical activity.
• 60% of mental health nurses in Germany did not specify an intensity level for aerobic exercise.

Sources:

• From Care to Motion: Physical Activity Advice in Mental Health Nursing Practice-A Cross-Sectional Observational Study. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 2025.
• Mental Health Weekly Digest. November 3, 2025; p 572.