Treatment Effects From Aerobic Endurance Training and Maximal Strength Training in Patients Suffering From Schizophrenia

Summary

This study investigates treatment effects from aerobic endurance training, maximal strength training and computer game on aerobic capacity, work efficiency and psychiatric symptoms in patients suffering from schizophrenia. The study is a controlled trial. The aim is to describe the population in respect to aerobic capacity and muscular strength. Low aerobic capacity and muscular strength are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study also aim to evaluate physical and psychiatric effects from physical training. Effects from participation in physical training or computer game on symptoms, depression and quality of life will be investigated. Data will be collected between October 2005 and August 2007.

Conditions

• Schizophrenia
• Cardiovascular Disease

Interventions

OTHER

Aerobic high-intensity interval training (AIT)

The AIT group trains 4x4 minute interval training on a treadmill at 85-95 % HRpeak interspersed with 3 minutes of active resting periods at a work load corresponding to 70% HRpeak between each interval. All training sessions are monitored and start with a 6 minute warm-up and end with a 5 minute cool-down period at a work load corresponding to 70% HRpeak. Intervals are performed walking or running on a treadmill with a minimum of 5% inclination, 3 times per week for 8 weeks.

OTHER

Computer game training (CG)

The CG spend the same amount of time (36 minutes), training to improve their ability in the computer game, Tetris. Tetris is a game where small shapes called Tetraminoes fall from the top of the Playfield to the bottom. Players must rotate the Tetraminoes as they fall and fit them together to complete lines. When the player fills an entire line with blocks, that line is removed from the screen. If the player cannot complete lines, the blocks will eventually rise past the top of the screen, and the game ends.

OTHER

Maximal strength training

Training starts with a 10 minute warm-up on the treadmill. Maximal strength training is then performed in an inclined leg press machine. The subject lifts 4 maximal repetitions that are repeated 4 times after a 2 minute rest period. Subjects are instructed to lift the weight with an intention of maximal mobilization of force. Training load is increased each time the subject manage to perform 4x4 maximal repetitions. Training is carried out 3 times per week in 8 weeks.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• St. Olavs Hospital

  collaborator OTHER

• Helse Nord-Trøndelag HF

  collaborator OTHER

• Norwegian University of Science and Technology

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Geir Nilsberg, M.D. · Norwegian University og Science and Technology

• Jørn Heggelund, M.Sc. · Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Study Design

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

20 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2005-10-31

Primary Completion

2008-07-31

Completion

2008-07-31

Countries

• Norway

Study Locations