title: Work out by Walking: A Pilot Exercise Program for Individuals With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders.
abstract: The health benefits of exercise are well documented, yet annual health care costs related to physical inactivity are well within the billions. Furthermore, individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) are more likely to lead sedentary lives, exercise less than the general population, and die prematurely from preventable causes. Previous research examining the effects of exercise on individuals with SSDs has been encouraging yet limited in creating accessible and sustainable interventions. The current pilot study developed and evaluated the impact of Work out by Walking (WOW), a multicomponent group walking intervention on the health of 16 individuals with SSDs. Results indicated improvements in indicators of physical health, activity level, social support, and mental health and a high level of program satisfaction. Future research should examine multicomponent group walking programs for individuals with SSDs in larger samples and with the inclusion of a comparison condition.
authors.affiliation: *Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC; †School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne Campus (St Patrick), Fitzroy, Australia; and ‡Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC.
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Browne
authors.forename: David L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Penn
authors.forename: Claudio L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Battaglini
authors.forename: Kelsey
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ludwig
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy*; D012944:Social Support; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000523:psychology*