INVESTIGATING THE BENEFITS OF SPORT PARTICIPATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: The purpose of this review was to consider the impact of being introduced to a sport and sport participation on (a) weight loss and psychiatric symptoms, (b) any other health benefits in people with schizophrenia, supported by quantitative and qualitative findings. Subject and methods: A systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA statement was conducted. Searches were undertaken in January 2014. Articles were eligible that (1) considered the effect (quantitative studies) and experience (qualitative and case studies) of either; being introduced to a ‘sport’ or undertaking a sport activity, (2) included >85% of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizo-affective spectrum disorders according to recognised criteria. Results: A total of 10 studies including 5 trials (2*pre-experimental, 2*controlled trials, 1*randomised control trial), 2 qualitative studies and 3 case studies were included (n=185). Two out of 3 studies that considered weight as an outcome measure reported significant reductions in weight and psychiatric symptoms following sports participation. The mean reduction in body mass index (BMI) ranged from -0.7kg.m2 (p<0.001) following 12 weeks of basketball to -1.33 kg.m2 (p<0.001) after 12-weeks of soccer. The mean reduction in the Positive and Negative Symptoms score ranged from 2.4 points (F=-19.0, p<0.001) following 12 weeks of basketball to 7.4 points (t=-5.0, p