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

• PANS (positive and Negative syndrome scale), measured pre training, after 4 weeks training and post training;
• SF36), measured pre training, after 4 weeks training and post training.

• Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) [ Time Frame: Pre- and Posttest ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) [ Time Frame: Pre- and Posttest ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• The 36-item short form (SF-36) [ Time Frame: Pre- and Posttest ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• 60 Watt walking efficiency, Net efficiency [ Time Frame: Pre- and Posttest ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• Maximal strength, measured as one repetition maximum (1RM) in a incline leg press machine (Technogym) [ Time Frame: Pre- and Post test ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• Fasting blood samples, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. [ Time Frame: Pre- and posttest ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

• Maximal oxygen consumption;
• fasting blood sugar;
• cholesterol (HDL and LDL);
• triglycerides;
• il-6(interleukin-6);
• crphs(highsensitiv crp).
• All variables are measured pre and post training.

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.

• Schizophrenia
• Cardiovascular Disease

• 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 Name: 4x4 interval
• 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 Name: Tetris THQ Inc., Xbox, Microsoft
• 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.
  Other Names:

  • Leg press machine (Technogym)
  • Olympic weights (Eleiko)

• Experimental: Aerobic interval training (AIT)
  Aerobic endurance training.
  Intervention: Other: Aerobic high-intensity interval training (AIT)
• Active Comparator: Computer game training (CG)
  Tetris, Xbox
  Intervention: Other: Computer game training (CG)
• Experimental: Maximal strength training
  Intervention: Other: Maximal strength training

Inclusion criteria: schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional disorders (F20-F29) according to the international statistical classification of diseases and related health problems, 10th revision (ICD-10) prepared by the World Health Organization. Patients must have stable antipsychotic medication for six weeks prior to participation.

Exclusion criteria: coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, not being able to perform physical treadmill testing and exercise, and less than 80% compliance to the training sessions. All subjects go through a physical health examination at inclusion.

• St. Olavs Hospital
• The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Health