Physical activity participation, functional exercise capacity and selfesteem in patients with schizophrenia

Aims: This article describes a study comparing level of physical activity, functional exercise capacity and body image and self-esteem variables between patients with schizophrenia with high and low perceived sports competence and perceived physical fitness (HPSCPF and LPSCPF). Methods: A cross-sectional study with 67 schizophrenia patients was undertaken. The final sample included 19 patients with HPSCPF and 19 with LPSCPF. The Baecke Physical Activity questionnaire, the 6-minute walk test, the Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP) and the B-WISE r were used. Body mass index (BMI) was incorporated as a covariate. Findings: In LPSCPF-patients, sport (p = 0.008) and leisure time physical activity (p = 0.004) participation was poorer and the distance walked 20.4% shorter (p < 0.001) compared with HPSCPFpatients. Also all other PSPP scores (p < 0.001) and the B-WISE r total score (p < 0.001) were lower in LPSCPF-patients compared to HPSCPF-patients. Conclusions: In order to motivate patients with schizophrenia to become more physically active, physical therapists should be aware of the detrimental effects of a LPSCPF.