Aerobic Exercise in People with Schizophrenia

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to provide a systematic overview of exercise outcomes in recent (i.e. last decade) randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of aerobic exercise in people with schizophrenia. We searched PubMed using the key words “exercise” AND “schizophrenia” in the title, abstract or index term fields. In total 16 randomized controlled trials involving 373 unique persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders met the inclusion criteria. The current meta-analysis shows that while exercise did not significantly reduce the body mass index (hedges g =-0.32, 95%CI=-0.79 to 0.16, p=0.16), cardiorespiratory fitness did improve (hedges g=0.48, 95% CI=0.06 to 0.90, p=0.02). While exercise did not significantly reduce positive symptoms (hedges g =-0.30, 95%CI=-0.78 to 0.18, p=0.23), negative symptoms significantly reduced (hedges g =-0.41, 95%CI=-0.74 to -0.08, p=0.015). More research exploring the effects of exercise on cognitive symptoms is urgently needed. In conclusion, this chapter demonstrates that aerobic exercise is a therapeutic intervention for people with schizophrenia in which simultaneous improvements in both psychiatric symptoms and physical health can be achieved. Inclusion of aerobic exercise programs in the multidisciplinary treatment of schizophrenia and facilitating easy access to aerobic exercise facilities is warranted within all mental health care services worldwide.