Improving Cognition Via Exercise in Schizophrenia

People with schizophrenia display a broad range of cognitive impairments that have been identified as major determinants of poor functioning and disability. Also, people with schizophrenia are at increased risk for suicide, with approximately 40-50% of individuals attempting to take their own lives during their lifetime. The goal of the proposed study is to examine the impact of remote exercise training on cognition, suicide risk, daily functioning, and biomarkers of cognitive change and suicidality in people with schizophrenia.

Inclusion Criteria:

- A DSM-V diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective, or schizophreniform disorder.

- Age 18-55 years.

- Taking antipsychotic medication for at least 8 weeks and on current doses for 4 weeks, and/or injectable depot antipsychotics with no change in the last 3 months.

- Capacity to understand all the potential risks and benefits of the study.

- Medically cleared by a physician to take part in VO2max tests and aerobic exercise training or stretching-and-toning exercise training.

Exclusion Criteria:

- A DSM-V diagnosis of alcohol/substance abuse (except nicotine) within the last month or a diagnosis of alcohol/substance dependence (except nicotine) within the last 6 months

- Initiation of anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, or other medications known to impact cognition in previous 4 weeks or any change in doses during this period.

- History of seizures/head trauma with loss of consciousness (>10 minutes) resulting in cognitive sequelae.

- Significant clinical abnormalities in physical examination, lab assessments, or ECG.

- Neurological/medical conditions that could interfere with study participation (e.g., unstable cardiac disease, stuttering).

- Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 40.

- Untreated hyper- or hypothyroidism.

- Being pregnant or nursing.

- Serious homicidal/suicidal risk (past 6 months).

- "Moderate" or more severe conceptual disorganization (PANSS≥4).

- Poor English reading ability (WTAR<7).

- Participation in a study with cognitive assessment in the past 3 months.

- Serious homicidal risk (past 6 months)

Conditions:
• Schizophrenia