Case report

INVESTIGATING THE BENEFITS OF SPORT PARTICIPATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Andrew Soundy orcid.org/0000-0002-5118-5872 ; Department of Physiotherapy, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
Carolyn Roskell ; Department of Physiotherapy, School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
Brendon Stubbs ; School of Health and Social Care, University of Greenwich, London, UK
Michel Probst ; Department of Neurosciences, University Psychiatric Centre, KU Leuven, Kortenberg, Belgium, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
Davy Vancampfort ; Department of Neurosciences, University Psychiatric Centre, KU Leuven, Kortenberg, Belgium, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this review was to consider the impact of being introduced to a sport and sport participation on (a)
weight loss and psychiatric symptoms, (b) any other health benefits in people with schizophrenia, supported by quantitative and
qualitative findings.
Subject and methods: A systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA statement was conducted. Searches were undertaken
in January 2014. Articles were eligible that (1) considered the effect (quantitative studies) and experience (qualitative and case
studies) of either; being introduced to a ‘sport’ or undertaking a sport activity, (2) included >85% of patients diagnosed with
schizophrenia or schizo-affective spectrum disorders according to recognised criteria.
Results: A total of 10 studies including 5 trials (2*pre-experimental, 2*controlled trials, 1*randomised control trial), 2
qualitative studies and 3 case studies were included (n=185). Two out of 3 studies that considered weight as an outcome measure
reported significant reductions in weight and psychiatric symptoms following sports participation. The mean reduction in body mass
index (BMI) ranged from -0.7kg.m2 (p<0.001) following 12 weeks of basketball to -1.33 kg.m2 (p<0.001) after 12-weeks of soccer.
The mean reduction in the Positive and Negative Symptoms score ranged from 2.4 points (F=-19.0, p<0.001) following 12 weeks of
basketball to 7.4 points (t=-5.0, p<0.001) following a 40 week programme of horse riding. A range of secondary health and
wellbeing outcomes identified some significant results. Qualitative findings showed that participants had positive experiences from
participating in sports.
Conclusions: Sport participation may result in reduced BMI and psychiatric symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. Sport has
the potential to improve an individual’s quality of life through providing a meaningful normalizing activity that leads to achievement,
success and satisfaction. Well-designed randomised controlled trials are required to fully determine the health effects of sports
participation in schizophrenia.

Keywords

schizophrenia – sport - physical activity - systematic review

Hrčak ID:

155882

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/155882

Publication date:

9.3.2015.

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