High-intensity interval training may reduce depressive symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia, putatively through improved VO₂max: A randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) may improve cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and mental health. The current observer-blinded RCT investigates the sparsely studied efficiency of HIIT in reducing psychotic and non-psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia and complements previous studies by investigating whether symptom reduction following HIIT is associated with, putatively partly mediated by, increased VO₂max.

Methods

Participants (outpatients meeting diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia) were randomized to HIIT (n = 43) or a comparison group performing low-intensity active video gaming (AVG) to control for social interaction (n = 39). Both interventions consisted of two supervised sessions/week for 12 weeks and a 4 months follow-up. E

SUBMITTER: Bang-Kittilsen G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9394183 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature