A Pilot Feasibility Study of a Virtual Lifestyle Intervention for Individuals with Schizophrenia

Individuals with schizophrenia experience early mortality from physical health conditions. Lifestyle interventions are effective; however, barriers interfere with in-person program participation. This two-period randomized cross-over pilot study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a virtual lifestyle intervention in n = 19 individuals with schizophrenia. Secondary analyses explored outcome changes between intervention and control groups. Results indicated modest retention (58%) and intervention engagement (67%) for Period 1 (weeks 1-11) with especially low rates in Period 2 (weeks 12-22; retention: 37%, intervention engagement: 50%). Of participants with satisfaction data (n = 6), nearly all participants reported that the intervention was helpful and easy to follow. Secondary outcome changes during Period 1 favored the intervention group on nutritional knowledge, physical activity, mental health, physical health, exercise motivation, self-esteem, and weight/body mass index (Cohen's ds: 0.35-2.09). Due to attrition and sparsity of data, neither a cross-over design analysis nor examination of outcome changes during Period 2 was conducted. Although satisfaction results and outcome changes from Period 1 were encouraging, the low rates of retention and intervention engagement in Period 2 raise feasibility concerns. Intervention development research is needed to determine whether modifications to this virtual lifestyle intervention would enhance feasibility and acceptability for people with schizophrenia.