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Trials
Published in: Trials 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Study protocol

Effects of high-intensity aerobic exercise on psychotic symptoms and neurocognition in outpatients with schizophrenia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Authors: John A. Engh, Eivind Andersen, Tom L. Holmen, Egil W. Martinsen, Jon Mordal, Gunnar Morken, Jens Egeland

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

The focus in recent years on physical inactivity and metabolic disturbances in individuals with schizophrenia raises the question of potential effects of physical activity. Physical activity has shown beneficial effects on cognition in healthy older individuals as well as on symptom severity in depression. However, opinions diverge regarding whether aerobic high-intensity interval training reduces cognition and key symptoms in schizophrenia. The main objective for the trial is to investigate the potential effects of aerobic high-intensity interval training on neurocognitive function and mental symptoms in outpatients with schizophrenia.

Methods/Design

The trial is designed as a randomized controlled, observer-blinded clinical trial. Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 treatment arms with 12-week duration: aerobic high-intensity interval training or computer gaming skills training. All participants also receive treatment as usual. Primary outcome measure is neurocognitive function. Secondary outcome measures will be positive and negative symptoms, wellbeing, tobacco-smoking patterns and physiological/metabolic parameters. Patient recruitment takes place in catchment area-based outpatient clinics.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02205684. Registered 29 July 2014.
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Metadata
Title
Effects of high-intensity aerobic exercise on psychotic symptoms and neurocognition in outpatients with schizophrenia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors
John A. Engh
Eivind Andersen
Tom L. Holmen
Egil W. Martinsen
Jon Mordal
Gunnar Morken
Jens Egeland
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-015-1094-2

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