Nowon-gu Operates Rehabilitation Training Program for People with Mental Disabilities

Rehabilitation Training Program for Harmonious Physical and Mental Development of People with Mental Disabilities
Approach Segmented Considering Characteristics of Mentally Disabled Individuals Leading Restricted Daily Lives
Planned Expansion to Northern Region Mental Rehabilitation Facilities by September

Nowon-gu, Seoul (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it will operate the 'Physical Function Up, Mental Health Double Up' program to improve the weakened physical and mental health of people with mental disabilities.

'Double Up' is a rehabilitation training program that harmoniously develops the mind, which is identified with the body. It was prepared to strengthen the social support system for people with mental disabilities and to promote a culture of respect for life, systematizing the 'Nowon-gu Blue Touch' program, which was piloted last year centered on the Mental Health Welfare Center.

It is characterized by subdividing the mental rehabilitation approach, focusing on the characteristics of people with mental disabilities who often limit their daily lives due to trauma after accidents, osteoporosis and specific pains occurring even in younger age groups.

First, in March, before proceeding with the project, the district conducted basic checkups in connection with the Lifelong Health Management Center and held two motivational education sessions about exercise. This was to increase the voluntary participation of people with mental disabilities who are passive in physical activity and to reduce the dropout rate.

The first education session introduced the importance of comorbidities and isometric exercise for people with mental disabilities exposed to chronic diseases due to decreased activity according to health and medical statistics, as well as dietary management methods. The second session consisted of autonomic nervous system activation exercises for mental health promotion and individual Q&A, leading to active participation.

The Double Up training program, which proceeds in earnest after the motivational education, includes resistance exercises using bands and proprioceptive sensory development, muscle strengthening using mini balls, step box aerobic and balance enhancement, and especially repetitive training of autonomic nervous system activation exercises and breathing for psychological effects. Moderate to high-intensity exercises are also included once a week.

Exercises are divided into group sessions for those who can perform mat exercises without joint strain, and individual exercises for those with injuries from extreme attempts, weakened immunity, or musculoskeletal disorders. In particular, individual exercise participants are provided with a 'Standing Album' created by filming the instructor demonstrating exercise methods, allowing them to participate within their possible range of postures.

Additionally, the district plans to expand the base to mental rehabilitation facilities in the northern area by September and strengthen the project’s substance. Through consulting on sports program operation, various activities will be incorporated to induce interest, and for those who need focused changes in daily life, home visits for environmental improvement and psychological approaches for case management will be operated in the future.

Moreover, the district is leading the promotion of mental health by operating rehabilitation programs such as 'From Head to Toe' and 'Vitality Seed,' mainly for elderly living alone with depression, enhancing social participation and physical function of marginalized groups in the community.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “Active physical activity is essential not only for maintaining health but also for overcoming depression and mental disabilities,” adding, “We will provide delicate local health services with lowered barriers beyond mental disabilities to support the health and happy lives of all residents.”