title: A systematic review of the benefits of physical therapy within a multidisciplinary care approach for people with schizophrenia: An update.
abstract: This systematic review summarizes the most recent evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) considering the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions (aerobic exercises, strength exercises, relaxation training, basic body awareness exercises, or a combination of these) within the multidisciplinary management of schizophrenia. Two authors searched PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and the Cochrane Library considering RCTs published from July 1, 2011-October 1, 2014. Thirteen RCTs representing 549 participants met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the results demonstrate that aerobic exercise significantly reduces psychiatric symptoms, potentially improves mental and physical quality of life and reduces metabolic risk and weight. Specifically, yoga reduces psychiatric symptoms, whilst Tai-chi and progressive muscle relaxation may also have benefits to patients. Two RCTs reported on adverse events. No adverse event was observed supporting the notion that physical therapy is safe in people with schizophrenia. There was considerable heterogeneity in the design, implementation and outcomes in the included studies precluding a meaningful meta-analysis. In general, the quality of physical therapy RCTS is improving and current research demonstrates that physical therapy approaches are valuable interventions and can help improve the psychiatric, physical and quality of life of people with schizophrenia.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Departamento de Salud Mental, Malaga Spain. Instituto de Biomedicina de Málaga (IBIMA), Spain; Departamento de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucia Tech, Cátedra de Fisioterapia y Discapacidad, Instituto de Biomedicina de Málaga (IBIMA), Grupo de Clinimetria (FE-14), Spain.
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vera-Garcia
authors.affiliation: Hospital Regional Universitario de Malaga, Departamento de Salud Mental, Malaga Spain. Instituto de Biomedicina de Málaga (IBIMA), Spain.
authors.forename: Fermín
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mayoral-Cleries
authors.affiliation: University of Leuven, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Belgium.
authors.forename: Davy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vancampfort
authors.affiliation: University of Greenwich, School of Health and Social Care, UK.
authors.forename: Brendon
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Stubbs
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Fisioterapia, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Málaga, Andalucia Tech, Cátedra de Fisioterapia y Discapacidad, Instituto de Biomedicina de Málaga (IBIMA), Grupo de Clinimetria (FE-14), Spain. Electronic address: acuesta@uma.es.
authors.forename: Antonio I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Cuesta-Vargas
mesh_terms: D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D026241:Exercise Movement Techniques / Q000523:psychology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011788:Quality of Life; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: Exercise; Mental health; Physical activity; Physical therapy; Progressive muscle relaxation; Tai-chi; Yoga