Synergy Between Physical Activity and Outdoor Green Environments to Reduce the Intensity of Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia.

Synergy Between Physical Activity and Outdoor Green Environments to Reduce the Intensity of Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: a Pilot Study.

Physical activity appears to be a novel and original adjunctive therapeutic approach in the management of patients with schizophrenia. It may help reduce schizophrenic symptoms, act as a pro-cognitive therapy, improve quality of life, and reduce cardiovascular comorbidities. Moreover, some evidence suggests that physical activity practiced in a natural environment has even more positive effects on mental health compared to physical activity carried out indoors or in urban settings. Indeed, greater exposure to greenery is associated with a better perception of general health and with reduced levels of cortisol, anxiety, and depression. No study has yet attempted to examine the impact of physical activity in green (outdoor) spaces compared to indoor physical activity on the negative symptoms of patients suffering from schizophrenia. The aim of this study is therefore to test this hypothesis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with schizophrenia, aged 18 to 55 years
• Having persistent negative symptoms (SNS), negative symptoms self-assessment scale > 7
• Regularly monitored in the psychiatry department.
• Have no medical contraindications to physical activity
• Subject affiliated with or entitled to a social security system.
• Subject having received informed information about the study and having co-signed, with the investigator, consent to participate in the study.
• Male or female.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient unsuitable for study in the opinion of the investigator
• Any subject with chronic joint pathologies (example: repeated sprains, patellar or ligament problems) or cardiac pathologies.
• Any subject presenting chronic or central neurological pathologies.
• Any subject deprived of liberty or subject to legal protection
• Excessive consumption of alcohol (> 14 glasses per week) or caffeinated drinks (> 400 mg of coffee per day).
• Pregnant women.
• Subject unable to understand the purpose and conditions of the study, unable to give consent.