title: Considering a frame of reference for physical activity research related to the cardiometabolic risk profile in schizophrenia.
abstract: This article reviews evidence that researchers and mental health service providers need to take into account four modifiable factors that affect the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in people with schizophrenia: (a) physical activity as part of a health-related lifestyle, (b) physical fitness, (c) mental health status and (d) antipsychotic medication. The implementation of physical activity in order to prevent and treat cardiometabolic risk factors in people with schizophrenia is discussed. English language articles published until July 2009 were identified by PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The search terms schizophrenia and metabolic syndrome, physical activity, health, fitness, and lifestyle were used. Physical activity interventions result in positive effects on metabolic outcomes, physical fitness, health-related behavior and mental health. Considering present knowledge, physical therapists should take into account the emotional (negative symptoms, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and stress) and physiological (cardiometabolic parameters) components of mental illness when offering physical activity interventions. The physical activity stimulus should be adapted to the individual's physical fitness level and the side effects of the antipsychotic medications. More research is needed to assist in the practical development of effective evidence-based preventive and curative strategies in psychiatric services for metabolic syndrome in persons with schizophrenia.
authors.affiliation: University Psychiatric Center, Catholic University Leuven, Campus Kortenberg, Belgium. Davy.Vancampfort@uc-kortenberg.be
authors.forename: Davy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vancampfort
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Knapen
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Probst
authors.forename: Ruud
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: van Winkel
authors.forename: Seppe
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Deckx
authors.forename: Katrien
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Maurissen
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Peuskens
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: De Hert
mesh_terms: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016208:Databases, Factual / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008603:Mental Health; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D008659:Metabolic Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D053580:Muscle Strength; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D012106:Research / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012649:Self Concept
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents