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Exercise improves cognitive functioning in schizophrenia

Recent findings from a meta-analysis indicated exercise significantly improved cognitive outcomes among individuals with schizophrenia.

“Cognitive deficits are one aspect of schizophrenia which is particularly problematic. They hinder recovery and impact negatively upon people's ability to function in work and social situations. Furthermore, current medications for schizophrenia do not treat the cognitive deficits of the disorder,” Joseph Firth, a PhD student at the University of Manchester, England, said in a press release. “We are searching for new ways to treat these aspects of the illness, and now research is increasingly suggesting that physical exercise can provide a solution.”

Joseph Firth

To determine neurocognitive benefits of exercise for schizophrenia, researchers conducted a meta-analysis of controlled trials assessing cognitive outcomes of exercise interventions among individuals with schizophrenia. Analysis included 10 trials among 385 participants with schizophrenia.

Exercise significantly improved global cognition (P = .001) with no statistical heterogeneity. Seven randomized controlled trials indicated an effect size Hedges g of 0.43 (P < .001).

Meta-regression analyses indicated an association between more exercise and greater improvements in global cognition (P = .065).

Interventions supervised by physical activity professionals were also more effective (P < .001).

Working memory (P = .024), social cognition (P = .002) and attention/vigilance (P = .005) were significantly improved by exercise.

Processing speed, verbal memory, visual memory and reasoning and problem solving were not significantly affected.

“These findings present the first large-scale evidence supporting the use of physical exercise to treat the neurocognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia,” Firth said in the release. “Using exercise from the earliest stages of the illness could reduce the likelihood of long-term disability, and facilitate full, functional recovery for patients.” – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosure: Firth reports receiving funding from a MRC Doctoral Training Grant. Please see the full study for a list of all authors’ relevant financial disclosures.