Effects of exercise on mental and physical health parameters of persons with schizophrenia.
Although the benefits of exercise are well documented, few published research studies have examined exercise in persons with schizophrenia. This pilot examined a 16-week walking program for outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia (N = 10). Six-minute walking distance, body mass index, percent body fat and severity of psychiatric symptoms were measured. Experimental participants in the walking group experienced significant reductions in body fat (p = 0.03) compared to a control group not participating in the exercises during the same time period. Experimental participants also had greater aerobic fitness, lower body mass indexes, and fewer psychiatric symptoms than controls at the conclusion of the program. Research is needed to identify effective exercise interventions and feasible delivery modalities for persons with schizophrenia in community settings.
Beebe
Lora Humphrey
LH
University of Florida, College of Nursing, Gainesville, 32610, USA. lbeebe@ufl.edu
Tian
Lili
L
Morris
Nancy
N
Goodwin
Ann
A
Allen
Staccie Swant
SS
Kuldau
John
J
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006787:Hospitals, Veterans; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D010809:Physical Fitness; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012885:Skinfold Thickness; D015144:Southeastern United States; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs; D016138:Walking