Going beyond: an adventure- and recreation-based group intervention promotes well-being and weight loss in schizophrenia.
OBJECTIVE
To undertake a preliminary study to assess the feasibility of clinical implementation and evaluate the effectiveness of a novel adventure- and recreation-based group intervention in the rehabilitation of individuals with schizophrenia.


METHODS
In a 2-year, prospective, case-control study, 23 consecutively referred, clinically stabilized schizophrenia patients received the new intervention over an 8-month period; 31 patients on the wait list, considered the control group, received standard clinical care that included some recreational activities. Symptom severity, self-esteem, self-appraised cognitive abilities, and functioning were documented for both groups with standardized rating scales administered at baseline, on completion of treatment, and at 12 months posttreatment.


RESULTS
Treatment adherence was 97%, and there were no dropouts. Patients in the study group showed marginal improvement in perceived cognitive abilities and on domain-specific functioning measures but experienced a significant improvement in their self-esteem and global functioning (P < 0.05), as well as a weight loss of over 12 lb. Improvement was sustained over 1 year with further occupational and social gains.


CONCLUSIONS
In the context of overcoming barriers to providing early intervention for youth and preventing metabolic problems among older adults with schizophrenia, adventure- and recreation-based interventions could play a useful complementary role.
Voruganti
Lakshmi N P
LN
St Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, Ontario. panth@voruganti.net
Whatham
Jeff
J
Bard
Eleanor
E
Parker
Gayle
G
Babbey
Candice
C
Ryan
Janet
J
Lee
Suganya
S
MacCrimmon
Duncan J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003688:Deinstitutionalization; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011998:Recreation; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss