Dataset Information

Exercise as an intervention for first-episode psychosis: a feasibility study.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

Exercise can improve psychiatric symptoms, neurocognitive functioning and physical health in schizophrenia. However, the effects in early psychosis have not been explored. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of an exercise intervention for early psychosis and to determine if it was associated with changes in physical and mental health.

Methods

Thirty-one patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) were recruited from early intervention services to a 10-week exercise intervention. The intervention group received individualized training programmes, aiming to achieve ?90?min of moderate-to-vigorous activity each week, using exercise programmes tailored to individual preferences and needs. A comparison FEP sample from the same services (n?=?7) received treatment as usual.

Results

Rates of consent and retention in the exercise group were 94% and 81%, respectively. Participants achieved an average of 107?min of moderate-to-vigorous exercise per week. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total scores reduced by 13.3 points after 10?weeks of exercise, which was significantly greater than the treatment as usual comparison group (P?=?0.010). The greatest differences were observed in negative symptoms, which reduced by 33% in the intervention group (P?=?0.013). Significant improvements were also observed in psychosocial functioning and verbal short-term memory. Increases in cardiovascular fitness and processing speed were positively associated with the amounts of exercise achieved by participants.

Conclusion

Individualized exercise training could provide a feasible treatment option for improving symptomatic, neurocognitive and metabolic outcomes in FEP.

SUBMITTER: Firth J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6001796 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Exercise as an intervention for first-episode psychosis: a feasibility study.

Firth Joseph J Carney Rebekah R Elliott Rebecca R French Paul P Parker Sophie S McIntyre Rebecca R McPhee Jamie S JS Yung Alison R AR

Early intervention in psychiatry 20160314 3

<h4>Aim</h4>Exercise can improve psychiatric symptoms, neurocognitive functioning and physical health in schizophrenia. However, the effects in early psychosis have not been explored. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of an exercise intervention for early psychosis and to determine if it was associated with changes in physical and mental health.<h4>Methods</h4>Thirty-one patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) were recruited from early intervention services to a 10-week exercise int ...[more]

PMID: 26987871

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Project description:BackgroundBurgeoning evidence suggests that exercise improves physical and mental health in people with schizophrenia. However, little is known about the feasibility and acceptability of high-intensity training in patients with first-episode psychosis. This qualitative study explored motivation, social interaction and experiences of participants and instructors in relation to an eight-week moderate to high intensity exercise training programme in a clinical trial including patients with first-episode psychosis.MethodsThe study used a combination of method, source and investigator triangulation. Data were collected by means of semi-structured individual interviews with participants at baseline (n = 16) and at follow-up (n = 9), as well as by means of participant observations during the programme (8 sessions × 1.5 h, 12 h in total) and focus group discussions with participants (n = 3) and instructors (n = 4), respectively, after the programme. Data were analysed using thematic analysis as described by Braun and Clarke.ResultsThree main themes and ten subthemes emerged during the analysis: 1) motivation and expectations for enrolment (subthemes: routines and structure, social obligation, goal setting and self-worth); 2) new demands and opportunities (subthemes: practicalities of the training, an understanding exercise setting, and alone and together); and 3) looking ahead - reflections on impact (subthemes: restored sleep and circadian rhythm, energy and sense of achievement, changed everyday life, and hope of finding a new path). Findings suggest that the programme was appealing to, and appreciated by, the participants because of its potential to create an equally challenging and caring non-clinical environment.ConclusionsThis study indicates that supervised, group-based, moderate to high intensity exercise training complementary to early intervention in psychosis is acceptable. Specifically, the intervention appeared to provide patients an opportunity to integrate the notion of being a young individual along with being a patient with a psychiatric diagnosis, thus supporting and promoting recovery.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03409393. Registered January 24, 2018.

Project description:ObjectivesTo test the feasibility and acceptability of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate a Smartphone-based self-management tool in Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) services.DesignA two-arm unblinded feasibility RCT.SettingSix NHS EIP services in England.ParticipantsAdults using EIP services who own an Android Smartphone. Participants were recruited until the recruitment target was met (n=40).InterventionsParticipants were randomised with a 1:1 allocation to one of two conditions: (1) treatment as usual from EIP services (TAU) or (2) TAU plus access to My Journey 3 on their own Smartphone. My Journey 3 features a range of self-management components including access to digital recovery and relapse prevention plans, medication tracking and symptom monitoring. My Journey 3 use was at the users' discretion and was supported by EIP service clinicians. Participants had access for a median of 38.1 weeks.Primary and secondary outcome measuresFeasibility outcomes included recruitment, follow-up rates and intervention engagement. Participant data on mental health outcomes were collected from clinical records and from research assessments at baseline, 4 months and 12 months.Results83% and 75% of participants were retained in the trial at the 4-month and 12-month assessments. All treatment group participants had access to My Journey 3 during the trial, but technical difficulties caused delays in ensuring timely access to the intervention. The median number of My Journey 3 uses was 16.5 (IQR 8.5 to 23) and median total minutes spent using My Journey 3 was 26.8 (IQR 18.3 to 57.3). No serious adverse events were reported.ConclusionsRecruitment and retention were feasible. Within a trial context, My Journey 3 could be successfully delivered to adults using EIP services, but with relatively low usage rates. Further evaluation of the intervention in a larger trial may be warranted, but should include attention to implementation.Trial registrationISRCTN10004994.

Dataset Information

Exercise as an intervention for first-episode psychosis: a feasibility study.

Aim

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Publications

Exercise as an intervention for first-episode psychosis: a feasibility study.

Similar Datasets

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