Associations of schizophrenia symptoms and neurocognition with physical activity in older adults with schizophrenia.
BACKGROUND
Low levels of physical activity contribute to the generally poor physical health of older adults with schizophrenia. The associations linking schizophrenia symptoms, neurocognition, and physical activity are not known. Research is needed to identify the reasons for this population's lack of adequate physical activity before appropriate interventions can be designed and tested.


METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, 30 adults aged ≥55 years with schizophrenia were assessed on symptoms (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale), neurocognition (MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery), and physical activity (Sensewear ProArmband). Pearson's bivariate correlations (two-tailed) and univariate linear regression models were used to test the following hypotheses: (1) more severe schizophrenia symptoms are associated with lower levels of physical activity and (2) more severe neurocognitive deficits are associated with lower levels of physical activity.


RESULTS
Higher scores on a speed-of-processing test were associated with more average daily steps (p = .002) and more average daily minutes of moderate physical activity (p = .009). Higher scores on a verbal working memory task were associated with more average daily minutes of moderate physical activity (p = .05). More severe depressive symptoms were associated with more average daily minutes of sedentary activity (p = .03).


CONCLUSIONS
Physical activity interventions for this population are imperative. In order for a physical activity intervention to be successful, it must include components to enhance cognition and diminish psychiatric symptoms.
1Department of Physiological Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Heather
H
Leutwyler
Erin M
EM
Hubbard
Dilip V
DV
Jeste
Bruce
B
Miller
Sophia
S
Vinogradov
D000368:Aged; D003072:Cognition Disorders; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000503:physiopathology*
neurocognition; physical activity; schizophrenia; symptomatology