Aerobic Exercise lowers depressive symptoms in early schizophrenia

Aerobic Exercise reduces brain inflammation and depressive symptoms in early schizophrenia find a new study.

In a study presented at the Congress of the Schizophrenia International Research Society (SIRS) 2019, scientists have depicted that aerobic exercise once a week daily may reduce brain inflammation in patients experiencing first-episode psychosis (FEP) by reducing interleukin-6 levels. They also found that increases in levels of IL-6 were significantly related to increases in depressive symptoms.

Psychosis temporarily interferes with the brain’s ability to make out reality and causes disruptions in thoughts and perceptions. The signs of psychosis include: Hearing, seeing, tasting or believing things that others don’t, suspiciousness or extreme uneasiness with other persistent, unusual thoughts or beliefs, strong and inappropriate emotions or no emotions at all, withdrawing from family or friends, a sudden decline in self-care, trouble thinking clearly or concentrating.

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The present study involved 25 patients newly diagnosed with schizophrenia who were randomly assigned to receive either exercise plus cognitive training or cognitive training alone for 6 months. The physical activity included: aerobic exercises, such as jumping jacks along with strength training. Blood samples were collected for IL-6 examination before they started the physical activity and after 6 months.

All the patients in the study had FEP and they were under treatment and all were within 2 years of a first psychotic episode. The average age of the patients was 22.6 years, and the average level of education was 13 years.

To note the depressive symptoms in the patients a Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) was administered at the start of the intervention and at every 2 weeks for 6 months.

The investigators observed that an increase in depressive symptom was parallel to the increases in Interleukin 6 levels. Also, they also noted that the reduction in IL-6 levels was dose-dependent, which means the more they exercise more will the reduction in brain inflammation.

The author concluded that if schizophrenia patients are involved in the aerobic physical activity then brain inflammation can be reduced in them.

For further reference log on to :

Congress of the Schizophrenia International Research Society (SIRS) 2019: Abstract F12. Presented April 12, 2019.