Exercise for Psychosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exercise for Psychosis: The Effects of a Moderate-to-Vigorous Exercise Intervention on Inflammatory Biomarkers and Negative Symptom Profile in First-Episode Psychosis
IRAS ID
307610
Contact name
Sarah Aldred
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
First Episode Psychosis (FEP) is a psychiatric illness whereby an individual’s thought and emotions are so impaired that contact is lost with external reality. This is accompanied by the onset of an adverse physical health trajectory. Currently available antipsychotic medication primarily targets positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions. However, antipsychotic medication fails to offer therapeutic benefits for negative symptoms, which significantly impair quality of life and day-to-day functioning. Negative symptoms may be underpinned by an inflammatory state that is present in FEP. A reduction in inflammation may confer a reduction in severity of negative symptoms experienced.
Physical activity offers a range of physiological and psychological benefits such as a reduction in cardiovascular disease risk, improved cognitive functioning, reduced inflammation, improved quality of life, and may offset weight gain induced by antipsychotic medication in people with FEP. However, the link between exercise and improvements in psychotic symptom presentation are not known. Understanding whether exercise can improve immune functioning in people with FEP is of particular importance.
Participants with FEP will be enrolled onto a six-week, moderate-to-vigorous exercise intervention at the University of Birmingham, targeting 60 - 70% heart rate max, which has been shown to elicit a physiological effect of exercise without large risk of dropout. The intervention will be comprised of 2 sessions per week, with an additional optional group session once per week. Exercise mode will be determined by participant preference per session to maximise enjoyment and activity levels. At pre-and-post intervention, a routine 30mL venous blood sample will be taken to assess inflammatory biomarker concentration, and psychological questionnaires will be conducted to determine changes in symptom profiles.
This research has the potential to inform the prescription of exercise to people with FEP, aimed at achieving the maximum reduction in symptoms severity and promoting higher quality of life.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/NW/0056
Date of REC Opinion
22 Mar 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion