Exploring Sex Differences in Physical Activity Patterns Among Individuals with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders:...

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Exercise Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) impact females and males differently, but research on physical activity (PA) sex differences in SSD patients is limited.
• Understanding PA levels in SSD is crucial for targeted health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare objectively measured PA levels between female and male patients with SSD and healthy controls.
• To investigate potential sex-based differences in PA within the SSD population.

Main Methods:

• 132 SSD outpatients/residents and 113 controls underwent clinical assessments.
• Physical activity was monitored for 7 days using ActiGraph GT9X accelerometers.
• Movement intensity was quantified using Euclidean Norm Minus One (ENMO).

Main Results:

• SSD patients had lower marriage, education, employment rates, and higher BMI and smoking rates than controls.
• No significant sex differences in daily PA levels were found among SSD patients.
• PA levels were not significantly associated with clinical outcomes in SSD patients.

Conclusions:

• Individuals with SSD exhibit similarly low objectively measured PA levels irrespective of sex, indicating a "flattening" of sex differences.
• Interventions to promote PA in individuals with SSD are needed.
• Further research should explore factors influencing PA engagement across sexes in SSD.