title: Description of physical activity in outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
abstract: This study describes physical activity level in outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) using extended-wear pedometers. Demographic data, body fat and body mass index (BMI) measures were obtained from 24 outpatients. Participants were provided extended-wear pedometers and instructed to wear them during waking hours for 1 week. More than 79% of subjects met Centres for Disease Control (CDC) obesity criteria. Participants wore pedometers, on average, 6 days during the week. Men walked more steps, walked longer distances, and burned more calories each day; differences were statistically significant for steps and distance on days 3 (t = 2.12, P = 0.045) and 5 (t = 2.19, P = 0.04). Higher percent body fat and BMI were significantly associated with fewer steps walked on most days. Extended-wear pedometers are an easy-to-use, cost-effective way to document physical activity and evaluate efforts to help this vulnerable group achieve activity-related health improvements.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, 1200 Volunteer Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37996, USA. lbeebe1@utk.edu
authors.forename: Lora Humphrey
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Beebe
authors.forename: Robin Faust
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Harris
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000378:metabolism; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003155:Community Mental Health Centers; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D009765:Obesity / Q000451:nursing; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012737:Sex Factors; D013714:Tennessee; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D011619:Psychotropic Drugs
keywords: exercise; health promotion; outpatients; pedometers; schizophrenia