Long-Term Exercise Training Therapy Versus Usual Care in Patients With Schizophrenia

Effectiveness of 1 Year Supervised Exercise Training Versus Usual Care on Cardiovascular Health, Functional Skills and Physical Fitness in Patients With Schizophrenia

Patients with schizophrenia have disabling symptoms and cognitive deficits that limit motivation, drive, social- and occupational performance, quality of life and self-efficacy. Schizophrenia also leads to a high risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Explanatory trials suggest that exercise improves cognitive functioning, symptoms, and quality of life, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, due to this illness, the participation in regular exercise is challenging. In this study it will be tested if patients with schizophrenia can participate in long-term exercise therapy, and whether long-term supervised exercise therapy is more beneficial than today's usual care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) schizophrenia, schizotypal or delusional disorders (F20 to F29)
• able to carry out long-term exercise.
• capable of giving informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• contra-indication for exercise training and testing according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) specifications (life threatening or terminal medical conditions; not able to carry out intervention or test procedures; current pregnancy; mothers less than 6 months post-partum).
• patients under admittance to an acute psychiatric ward.