Grant Application

Brian P. Boam, UPMC Chautauqua Behavioral Health Units

Proposed Innovation

Research has shown that the mind and body connection is real. Exercise helps to reduce depression, stress, and anxiety while improving physical health and self-esteem. At UPMC Chautauqua, however, the new Behavioral Health Unit lacks the space for a dedicated exercise room with free-standing equipment.

Through this project, a compact, portable home gym system will be offered to adult and adolescent patients so they can get the exercise needed during their hospitalization.

Improvements in Action

Fifteen BodyBoss Home Gyms® will be purchased for the Behavioral Health Unit. The portable system, which simulates all the bulky equipment and machines found in a gym, offers hundreds of different workouts with total-body strength and cardiovascular benefits. Compact and lightweight, the gyms can be easily folded up and stored.

Intended Outcomes

Having access to this equipment will allow patients to work on their physical fitness while experiencing exercise as both a leisure activity and coping strategy. Patients are expected to learn about the benefits of exercise while also improving their physical health and wellness. Other expected benefits include a decrease in physical aggression with fewer behaviors requiring restraint, seclusion, or involuntary medication.