Strength Training In Patients With Schizophrenia

Abstract

Patients with schizophrenia are inactive, have impaired physical function and slowed performance in motor tasks. As a countermeasure, maximal strength training (MST) with high load and few repetitions improves muscle force generating capacity and physical function during daily activities. PURPOSE: Investigate the effect and feasibility of MST as a part of standard clinical treatment of patients with schizophrenia. METHODS: 11 male and 6 female outpatients (37±10(SD) yrs, ICD-10 schizophrenia, schizotypal or delusional disorders (F20-F29)) were randomized to either a training group (TG), performing leg press MST (4 repetitions, 4 sets, at ~90% of one repetition maximum (1RM)) twice a week for 12 weeks at the hospital exercise training clinic, or a control group (CG) following traditional guidelines for physical activity. RESULTS: 5/9 patients in the TG completed >85% of the training and were included in the statistical analysis. After MST, 1RM and muscle rapid force development (work/time with a load ~70% of 1RM) increased 43% (233±35 to 333±50 kg, p<0.05) and 36% (408±108 to 555±137 Nm·s-1, p<0.05), respectively. These improvements in muscle force generating capacity were ~twofold larger (p<0.05) compared to the CG which had improvements of 23% in 1RM (188±66 kg to 232±89 kg, p<0.05) and 16% in rapid force development (391±223 to 454±227 Nm·s-1, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MST yielded larger improvements in functionally relevant muscle force generating capacity compared with conventional treatment, and suggest that MST should be implemented as a part of standard clinical practice for optimal exercise rehabilitation benefits. Supported by grants from the Norwegian ExtraFoundation for Health and Rehabilitation, The Liaison Committee between the Central Norway Regional Health Authority and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and The Norwegian Directorate of Health.