The effect of aerobic exercise program on quality of life in schizophrenic patients

Schizophrenia is a chronic disease and may result in physical, psychological and social problems. Exercise play an important role in reability and treatment of the patients due to its physical and mental positive effects on their life. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise program on quality of life in schizophrenic patients. In this clinical trial study, a total of 46 patients, aged 20-60 years old, with schizophrenia who were hospitalized were randomly divided in two equal groups of case and control. An aerobic exercise program, for 45 minutes. every other day, was performed in the case group. The quality of life, before and after the beginning of the program, in both groups was assessed using quality of life scale (QLS). This parameter was compared in the groups using statistical methods (Manwithny, Wilcaxon, Pearson and Kruskal-wallis). Mean age of the individuals studied were 39.4±10.1 years and 67.9% of them were male. The mean of disease duration was 12.9±4.2 years and 53.6% of subjects had positive or negative symptoms. There was no significant difference between the two groups before the intervention in demographic characteristics, the quality of life dimensions, and symptoms. Mean of life quality after, the intervention, in the case and control groups was 67±15.9 and 52.1±14, respectively (P<0.05). Mean quality of life dimensions (interpersonal relation, productivity role, intrapsychic foundations, common objects and activities), after the intervention in the case was more than that of the control group (P<0.05). Also, mean of score of life quality dimensions and overall life quality were increased significantly after the intervention compared with before that (P<0.05), but difference was not significant in the control group. Aerobic exercise program can improve the quality of life in patients with schizophrenia in all dimensions. So, it is essential to use this program prevention and decrease of schizophrenic patients’ problems, needs and their adaptability.