44th Edition at the Hennef Sports School: National Conference for Sports and Exercise Therapists
The 26th National Conference for Sports and Exercise Therapists took place at the Hennef Sports School. The National Association of Sports Therapists in Forensic Psychiatric Institutions has set itself the goal of represent sports therapists in psychiatric facilities—particularly in forensic psychiatric institutions—to address their concerns and questions arising from their daily work, and to ensure their interests are recognized and their voices heard through public engagement and discourse. In this interview, Nick Pavel (President) and Ernst Peter Preu (Vice President) discuss the association’s goals, the role of sports and exercise therapy, and upcoming events at the Hennef Sports School.
Nick Pavel (President) and Ernst Peter Preu (Vice President) of the Federal Association of Sports Therapists in Forensic Psychiatry
Hennef Sports School: Mr. Pavel, the National Conference for Sports and Exercise Therapists has been held at the Hennef Sports School for many years. Why did you choose this venue again?
Nick Pavel: The Hennef Sports School has actually been our venue for the conference for 26 years now: beautiful sports facilities, a great atmosphere, friendly staff, excellent organization, and, above all, reliability—that’s why we choose the Hennef Sports School.
Hennef Sports School: Mr. Preu, what topics are the main focus for the participants?
Ernst Peter Preu: In general, the Federal Conference is a unique professional development program for sports therapists working in psychiatry—and especially in forensic psychiatry—with highly motivated participants who are eager to further their professional development. We offer them a balanced mix of practical and theoretical sessions, which are guided by the latest scientific findings in line with evidence-based practice. Another key focus is on peer exchange and networking, and there are many opportunities for this. This aspect stands out even more because many sports therapists find themselves working in isolation in their day-to-day practice. Professional exchange and networking are also frequently cited reasons why demand is high and the event is regularly fully booked.
Hennef Sports School: What are the goals of the Federal Association with its annual conference?
Nick Pavel: Our primary goal is to promote the professionalization of our field. In recent years, we have been able to support this effort in particular through scientific expertise, research, and practice-oriented, high-quality therapeutic seminars as well as educational workshops. This also serves as the foundation for high standards of training and quality. Furthermore, it is, of course, also about networking and professional exchange among experts, which also has an impact on the quality of treatment.
Sports sessions were a must at the national conference
Hennef Sports School: What role does sports and exercise therapy play in the treatment of psychiatric patients?
Ernst Peter Preu: Of course, it plays a very important role. In many places, sports therapy has already proven its worth over the years through its effective treatment. Body-centered and resource-oriented work using the versatile medium of sports offers the opportunity to connect with all patients and get them moving.
Many recreational athletes know what it’s like to feel good after a run or soccer practice. A growing number of studies demonstrate the undeniable benefits of physical activity in the treatment of psychiatric patients. Sports and exercise therapy is now also established as a highly effective therapeutic standard in some national clinical practice guidelines (e.g., the S3 guidelines for depression and schizophrenia). In “technical jargon,” this is often referred to as a “poly-pill.” It has a multidimensional (biopsychosocial) effect—on the body, mind, and soul, so to speak—rather than acting in just one direction, as other forms of therapy do.
For example, in cases of depression, the release of endorphins through sports and exercise helps stabilize mood. This boosts motivation and drive. As an added benefit, it often counteracts the unwanted side effects of disease-specific medications. In schizophrenia, treatment with exercise has even been shown through imaging to promote growth in the affected areas of the brain. This is a truly unique selling point. Exercise therapy has a phenomenal overall positive impact: it is cost-effective, has virtually no side effects, is low-risk, and is extremely popular among patients.
Hennef Sports School: Is this the only event organized by the national association that is being held at our sports school?
Nick Pavel: No, actually, we also host the annual German Patient Soccer Championships for psychiatric facilities.
Ernst Peter Preu: For many years now, we’ve been holding qualifying tournaments in collaboration with a large number of psychiatric clinics in Germany. In these tournaments, teams of patients—who are trained by our sports therapists—compete against one another. The final tournament among the qualifiers is then held over three days at the Hennef Sports School, so we even stay overnight here, and the patients get to experience the benefits of the sports school. The German champion is crowned, which is a personal highlight for many patients and serves as an important, valuable life experience for them.
