Question: In adults of working age with schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like illnesses, how effective is physical exercise/activity compared to treatment as usual in terms of achieving improved patient outcomes?

Answer:

There are a limited number of small studies addressing this question. Studies are heterogeneous in terms of exercise intervention, comparator and outcome measures reported. The available evidence indicates that, regular exercise programmes are possible in patients with schizophrenia, and can have beneficial effects on some measures of both physical and mental health and well-being. Larger randomised studies are required in order to confirm these findings.

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To view the Cochrane review which is included in this summary, click Related Documents, below.