Exercise training complementary to specialised early intervention in patients with first-episode psychosis: a...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Trials
• Exercise Science

Background:

• First-episode psychosis (FEP) presents unique challenges for clinical trial participation.
• Structured exercise interventions show promise for improving outcomes in various populations.
• Feasibility of implementing exercise programs in FEP requires careful examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of trial processes for group-based, structured exercise training in patients with first-episode psychosis.
• To evaluate recruitment, retention, and attendance rates for an exercise intervention in this population.

Main Methods:

• A two-arm randomized feasibility trial involving 25 patients with first-episode psychosis.
• Intervention group (INT) completed 8 weeks of moderate-to-vigorous intensity exercise (1 hr, 3x/week).
• Control group (CON) maintained usual activity, offered intervention post-study. Assessed screening, recruitment, retention, attendance, and adverse events.

Main Results:

• Screening rate was 27% (86/324), with 83% eligibility (71/86).
• 25 patients (35%) were recruited (INT=13, CON=12).
• Retention was 76% at 8 weeks and 52% at 16 weeks. Attendance averaged 43%.

Conclusions:

• Feasibility was limited by low recruitment and retention rates.
• Modifications are necessary for conducting large-scale randomized controlled trials in this population.
• Recommendations for trial design improvements are discussed.