title: Structured Walking and Chronic Institutionalized Schizophrenia Inmates: A pilot RCT Study on Quality of Life.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lifestyle moderate-intensity physical activity can lower the risk of over twenty chronic health conditions, whilst inactivity reduces daily functioning and physical health of individuals living with schizophrenia. This study conducted in 2014 examines the effect of structured walking participation on QOL, psychosocial functioning and symptoms in Hospital Permai, one of the largest psychiatry institution in Asia
  
  
  METHODS
  Chronic patients with schizophrenia (n=104) who met inclusion criteria were randomised to either a 3-month structured walking intervention or a treatment-as-usual arm. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), global functioning (PSP) and QOL (SF-36) were measured at baseline and after the 3-month interval.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At 3 month follow-up, there were significant within group differences in QOL (SF-36), psychiatric symptoms (PANSS), and personal and social performance (PSP). There were statistically significant increase in the median SF-36 scores, with increases shown in physical functioning (p<.001), physical role limitations (p<.05), social functioning (p<.01) in the intervention group compared to treatment-as-usual group. Statistically significant reduction of median PANSS score of the intervention group were noted in positive (p<0.001) and negative (p<0.01) symptom, and general psychopathology (p<0.01) scales. Statistically significant increase in the median PSP score (p<0.01) was found in the intervention group compared with the treatment-as-usual group. Between-group differences at post intervention (favouring Intervention) were significant for PANSS positive and SF36 Physical
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In long stayed chronic inmates, a simple but consistent, organized walking intervention has the potential to bring improvement in functioning, reduction in psychiatric symptoms and quality of Life. The emphasis of rehabilitation should target at lifestyle redesign intervention.
authors.affiliation: University of Malaya. syloh@um.edu.my.
authors.forename: Siew Yim
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Loh
authors.forename: Amalina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abdullah
authors.forename: Abdul Kadir
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Abu Bakar
authors.forename: Maniam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Thambu
authors.forename: Nik Ruzyanei
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Nik Jaafar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients; D008296:Malaysia; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking