title: [The effects of physical activity intervention on symptoms in schizophrenia, mental well-being and body composition in young adults].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Due to an unhealthy lifestyle, individuals with schizophrenia are at higher risk of morbidity compared to the general population. Studies have shown that physical activity can have positive effects on physical and mental health in these patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of a physical activity intervention on symptoms of schizophrenia, as well as on a number of physical and mental health variables. The aim was also to gain more understanding of the participants´ experience of the intervention with interviews.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventeen individuals between the ages of 21-31, diagnosed with schizophrenia participated in the study. They exercised under professional supervision for a minimum of two sessions per week for 20 weeks and attended weekly lectures on a healthy lifestyle. The participants answered standardized questionnaires (PANSS, DASS, Rosenberg, CORE-OM, BHS, QOLS), and physical measurements (weight, height, body mass index, resting blood pressure, waist circumference and resting heart rate) were taken before and after the intervention. Six participants were interviewed after the intervention and asked about their experience.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Negative and general psychiatric symptoms, depression, anxiety and stress scores decreased significantly whereas well-being, quality of life and physical activity increased (p<0.05). Apart from resting heart rate that decreased (p<0.05), physical measurements remained unchanged at the end of the intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The participants´ physical activity increased, their mental well-being improved, and they did not gain weight during the intervention period. Regular exercise under supervision and education about a healthy lifestyle are a beneficial adjunct to the primary treatment of people with schizophrenia.
authors.forename: Kristjana
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sturludóttir
authors.forename: Sunna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gestsdóttir
authors.forename: Rafn Haraldur
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Rafnsson
authors.forename: Erlingur
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jóhannsson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006304:Health Status; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult