The Functional Exercise Capacity Is Associated With Global Functioning in People With Bipolar Disorder

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Bipolar disorder significantly impacts patients' daily functioning and quality of life.
• Functional exercise capacity is a key indicator of physical health and mobility.
• The relationship between functional exercise capacity and overall functioning in bipolar disorder requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scores and functional exercise capacity in individuals with bipolar disorder.
• To explore predictors of GAF scores and exercise capacity in this population.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 65 in- and outpatients diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
• Participants completed the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) for exercise capacity.
• Assessments included the GAF score, Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self Report (QIDS), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).

Main Results:

• A significant positive correlation was found between GAF scores and 6MWT distance (r = 0.60, p < 0.001).
• Regression analysis indicated that inpatient status, illness duration, and QIDS score explained 72.4% of the GAF score variance.
• GAF, QIDS score, and age explained 74.1% of the 6MWT score variance.

Conclusions:

• A bidirectional relationship exists between functional exercise capacity and global functioning in bipolar disorder.
• Improving exercise capacity may positively influence overall functioning in individuals with bipolar disorder.