Exercise Linked to Improved Cognitive Function in Schizophrenia

Aerobic exercise can significantly improve cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia, according to a new study from the United Kingdom.

Patients with schizophrenia often have impaired cognitive functioning, yet treatment options are limited. Therefore, the researchers conducted their study to determine the neurocognitive benefits of exercise in this group.
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To conduct their meta-analysis, the researchers searched electronic databases from inception to April 2016 for controlled trials that examined the cognitive outcomes of exercise interventions in people with schizophrenia.

Their analysis included 10 trials with outcome data for 385 people with schizophrenia. Exercise programs were an average of 12.2 weeks in duration with 2.9 sessions per week for 20 to 60 minutes each. Most programs focused on aerobic exercise.

Results of their analysis showed that exercise significantly improved global cognition and that more exercise resulted in more improved global cognition. Exercise was associated with improvements in working memory, social cognition, and attention/vigilance.

However, exercise did not significantly affect processing speed, verbal memory, visual memory, or reasoning and problem solving.

“This meta-analysis provides evidence that exercise can improve cognitive functioning among people with schizophrenia, particularly from interventions using higher dosages of exercise,” the researchers concluded.

“Given the challenges in improving cognition, and the wider health benefits of exercise, a greater focus on providing supervised exercise to people with schizophrenia is needed.”

—Amanda Balbi

Reference:

Firth J, Stubbs B, Rosenbaum S, et al. Aerobic exercise improves cognitive functioning in people with schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis [published online August 11, 2016]. Schizophr Bull. doi:10.1093/schbul/sbw115.