iBeep: Investigating the Benefits of Exercise in Early Psychosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
iBeep: Investigating the Benefits of Exercise in Early Psychosis
IRAS ID
136066
Contact name
Alison Yung
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Manchester
Research summary
Psychotic disorders affect about 1% of the world’s population and are associated with problems with relationships, education and work.
The main treatment is “antipsychotic” medication. These medications can treat some symptoms, such as delusions (believing things to be true that are not, for example paranoia) and hallucinations (for example hearing voices). However, antipsychotics do not work for other symptoms such as low motivation and problems getting on with people. Antipsychotics also have side effects such as obesity and diabetes.
We therefore need a new treatment. Physical exercise may be the treatment that we need. Exercise improves mood in most people and has been shown to increase brain tissue in people with psychotic disorders. It will also help with reducing weight and decreasing the risk of diabetes.
However, exercise has not been studied much in early psychosis – in those people within the first few years of illness. Yet it is in these individuals where exercise might be most effective - as symptoms have not been present long and motivation to do exercise may be greater.
This project aims to study the effects of exercise in people with early psychosis. We will ask participants to do a range of assessments before doing a 10 week long exercise program. Then we will repeat the assessments to see if there has been any change. The assessments will include measures of symptoms, fitness level, physical health and brain structure (to see if there has been an increase in brain tissue).
The exercise program will be designed with the participant so that it will be interesting and achievable for them. For example, some people may prefer to take part in a group “boot camp”, while others may prefer dance or walking. Setting goals will be encouraged.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0784
Date of REC Opinion
18 Dec 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion