Brain Health and Exercise in Schizophrenia

What this study is about

To determine the effects of aerobic exercise on hippocampal volumes and severity of psychotic symptoms in a population of psychosis patients compared to healthy age/gender matched volunteers. Psychosis patients often suffer from a number of cognitive difficulties, including poor memory function, poor problem-solving capacity and difficulties with attention and concentration. Poor fitness and associated neurovascular deficits may arise from various sources, including poor mental health, adverse side effects of antipsychotic medications and independent cardiovascular deficits that may be due to neurodevelopmental abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia. These factors are likely contributing to markedly increased stroke risk and early mortality. These problems are not well addressed by current clinical treatments, nor is neurovascular stroke risk readily or accurately detected in clinic.In contrast, evidence from aging research strongly suggests that increased cardiovascular fitness may provide numerous cognitive benefits by promoting brain growth, particularly in the frontal lobes and the hippocampi, while reducing the risk of stroke. The current study will measure the effects of aerobic exercise on brain volumes in a population of chronic psychosis patients to determine if 1) hippocampal volumes increase in response to exercise and 2) if parallel improvements in cognitive functioning occur. Additionally, baseline and follow-up stroke risk will be assessed using a novel non-invasive approach of retinal imaging to determine the presence of underlying neurovascular pathology.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Age 18 to 45 years
• Able to provide written, informed consent in English
• Patients may be on prescribed medications
• DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
• Normal visual acuity (or normal visual acuity achievable with corrective lenses)
• Physical ability to be engaged in a regular exercise program

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• A history of organic disorders (dementia, severe head injury, or developmental disorders such as autism, mental retardation, Down's Syndrome)
• A current DSM-IV diagnosis of substance dependence (during prior 12 months, excluding tobacco)
• Any history of DSM-IV diagnoses (Axis I) for other psychiatric disorders
• History of angina, heart attack or transient ischemic attacks
• Non-independent mobility or limb prostheses
• A history of severe head injury leading to loss of consciousness for > 5 minutes
• Contra-indications for neuroimaging (metal implants, non-removable orthodontic devices, severe claustrophobia, pregnancy, or surgeries within the previous 6 months)
• Currently already enrolled in a regular exercise program

Where this trial is running

• UBC Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Who to contact

Donna J Lang, PhD · 604-875-2000 · donna.lang@ubc.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT01392885.