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A pilot study describing physical activity in persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDS) after an exercise
Lora Humphrey Beebe1, Kathlene D Smith, Marian W Roman
1University of Tennessee-Knoxville, College of Nursing, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996–4180, USA. lbeebe1@utk.edu
Issues in Mental Health Nursing
|April 10, 2013
Summary
Persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) remain sedentary despite exercise benefits. This study found that an exercise intervention led to increased physical activity levels in SSD participants even months after the program ended.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Exercise Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) exhibit low physical activity levels, hindering mental and physical health.
- Lack of motivation is a primary barrier to exercise engagement for persons with SSD.
- Existing exercise interventions show promise but require long-term physical activity data post-intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term physical activity levels of individuals with SSD.
- To evaluate the sustained impact of a prior exercise intervention on physical activity behavior.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 22 participants with SSD, assessed 14–34 months post-exercise intervention.
- Participants wore pedometers daily for one week to measure physical activity (steps, distance).
- Comparison between experimental (intervention) and control groups.
Main Results:
- Experimental participants demonstrated higher average daily steps and distance compared to controls on six out of seven days.
- Findings confirm generally low physical activity levels in persons with SSD.
- Sustained higher activity levels were observed in the intervention group post-program.
Conclusions:
- Exercise interventions may lead to lasting improvements in physical activity for individuals with SSD.
- This study provides crucial longitudinal data on physical activity maintenance in this population.
- Future research should focus on larger, multi-site trials for enhanced generalizability and statistical power.
