The functional exercise capacity is correlated with global functioning in patients with schizophrenia

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is a standard measure for functional exercise capacity, primarily in cardiovascular disease.
• Assessing functional capacity in patients with schizophrenia is crucial for understanding disease impact and treatment effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) score in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-eight male and 25 female inpatients with schizophrenia underwent the 6MWT.
• Participants were also assessed using the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale and the Psychosis Evaluation tool for Common use by Caregivers (PECC).

Main Results:

• A moderate positive correlation (r=0.59, P < 0.001) was observed between 6MWT distance and GAF scores.
• The 6MWT also showed significant associations with negative, depressive, and cognitive symptoms, as well as BMI, smoking status, and antipsychotic medication dosage.

Conclusions:

• The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) demonstrates utility as a measure of functional consequences in schizophrenia.
• Clinicians should consider integrating the 6MWT into routine assessments alongside the GAF scale for comprehensive patient evaluation in inpatient settings.