article · Bayero Journal of Nursing and Health Care
This narrative review investigated factors influencing physical activity in individuals with schizophrenia, a mental disorder often linked to chronic physical health issues and increased mortality due to sedentary lifestyles. Analysing eight studies, it found that people with schizophrenia generally exhibit low physical activity levels. These lower levels were associated with a higher body mass index, greater symptom severity, and poorer cognitive function, including deficits in executive function, memory, and learning. While the impact of physical activity on quality of life showed mixed results, the findings suggest that physical activity could be a valuable intervention to improve overall quality of life and other clinical outcomes in this population.
People with schizophrenia often experience significant physical health problems and reduced life expectancy, partly due to low physical activity. This review highlights the connections between physical activity, physical health, and cognitive function in this group. Understanding these links is crucial for developing effective strategies to improve their overall health and well-being.
This research suggests physical activity as a potential intervention to improve health outcomes for individuals with schizophrenia. It could inform the development of therapeutic programmes or guidelines for healthcare providers, therapists, and support organisations working with this population. This is early-stage research exploring intervention pathways rather than a specific product or service.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
Background: Schizophrenia is a highly disabling mental disorder often accompanied by chronic physical comorbidities like cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity and diabetes. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and sedentary behaviors increase mortality among patients with schizophrenia. Unfortunately, prior researches have indicated that physical activity levels are generally lower in this population, though the specific determinants of this decline remain inadequately elucidated. Method: A narrative review was conducted to identify factors affecting physical activity in individuals with schizophrenia. A systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar identified 20 studies, with 8 meeting the inclusion criteria. Most studies were cross-sectional. Physical activity was measured using both subjective and objective tools. Cognitive function and symptom severity were assessed using instruments such as Cognitrax, the Positive Negative Syndrome Scale and the Clinical Global Impression—Severity scale. Results: The average age of participants was around 40 years, with most being male and outpatients. Physical activity was assessed using tools like the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, accelerometers, and the Alpha-Fit Battery. Individuals with schizophrenia showed low physical activity levels, linked to higher body mass index, symptom severity, and poorer cognitive function. The impact of physical activity on quality of life was mixed, with some studies suggesting improvements, while others found no significant effect. Conclusion: Individuals with schizophrenia demonstrate lower physical activity levels, poorer quality of life, and deficits in executive function, memory, and learning. This may be suggestive of the role of physical activity as a potential intervention for improving quality of life, and other clinical outcomes in this population.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.4314/bjnhc.v6i2.11
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
