Walking groups in subjects affected by schizophrenia: a winning strategy against sedentary life style?

Purpose: Subjects with schizophrenia are more likely to be sedentary, overweight and at higher risk of diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia than general population. The life expectance is reduced by 7–24 years and about 60% of mortality is due to cardiovascular diseases. Aim of this study is to include a group of sedentary adults with schizophrenia in a program of regular physical activity (PA) and to evaluate the effects of PA on cardiovascular function. Methods: 12 sedentary subjects with schizophrenia recruited by the local Public Mental Health Department were included in the study (age 45 ± 9). Height, weight, BMI, waist circumference and blood pressure were measured. To assess the baseline walking speed subjects performed the 1-km test. Heart rate (HR) was monitored continuously during the test. These evaluations were performed at baseline and after 6-months of walking. The subjects were guided by an exercise physiologist to walk 1 h twice/week. Results: 11 subjects complete the program. The subject not included in the finishers was hospitalized during the measurement period; he did not leave the project. The adherence at the program was of 95%. After 6-months of walking the distance covered in each training session goes from 4 to 5 km (increase of 25%). No significant changes in weight and BMI were observed. A degree of 1.2 cm in waist circumference was observed. The systolic pressure goes from 126 ± 14 to 120 ± 10 (p\0.05). Maximum HR decrease significantly of 8.4 bpm (p\0.05). In conclusions, the study population moved from sedentary to physically active. An excellent acceptance towards the walking group was observed and confirmed by the highest adherence to the training session. In addition to an improvement in cardiovascular function and to a reduction in risk factors, an increase in the capacity for memory and attention in daily activities were observed. References De Hert M et al (2009) Metabolic syndrome in people with schizophrenia: a review. World Psychiatry 8(1):15–22 Brenda W (2018) Metabolic syndrome in psychiatric patients: overview, mechanisms, and implications. Dialogues Clin Neurosci 20(1):63–73 Lindamer LA et al (2008) Assessment of physical activity in middle aged and older adults with schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 104(1–3):294–301 Chiaranda G et al (2012) Peak oxygen uptake prediction from a moderate, perceptually regulated, 1-km treadmill walk in male cardiac patients. J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev 32(5):262–269