Aerobic exercise and cognitive functioning in schizophrenia: A pilot randomized controlled trial. (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shimada, Takeshi; Ito, Shoko; Makabe, Aya; Yamanushi, Ayumi; Takenaka, Ami; Kobayashi, Masayoshi
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 282(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Cognition -- Aerobic exercise -- Schizophrenia -- Rehabilitation; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.112638
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Highlights: Cognition is a core feature of schizophrenia. There is an unmet need for treatment to improve this cognitive impairment. Aerobic exercise improves cognition and other outcomes for such patients. Aerobic exercise treatment for cognition in schizophrenia is effective. Abstract: This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the combined effect of individual and group aerobic exercises (AEs) on cognition in schizophrenia. Among 32 randomized patients, 31 were included in the intent-to-treat population: 16 in treatment as usual (TAU) + AE and 15 in TAU groups. Over 12 weeks, patients were given a dose of 2 exercise sessions per week, including 1 individual session and 1 group session. TAU + AE patients showed significant improvements in cognition, intrinsic motivation, psychiatric symptoms, and interpersonal relations. These encouraging findings support the promise of integrated individual and group AEs to improve cognition and other outcomes in schizophrenia.