Aim: This study investigated whether in patients with schizophrenia the Physical Activity Vital Sign (PAVS) assessment can identify those at higher risk of cardio-metabolic abnormalities.
Methods: One hundred patients with schizophrenia completed the PAVS-questions exploring whether they adhered to the general physical activity recommendations, underwent a full-fasting metabolic screening, and performed a six-minute walk test (6 MWT).
Results: Those who do not adhere to the health recommendations according to the PAVS (n=61) were significantly older (37.1±11.3 versus 32.5±8.5 years, P=0.033) and more likely to be women (30/36 versus 31/64, P<0.001). Patients who do not meet the physical activity recommendations have a higher BMI (27.0±6.4 versus 23.3±3.1, P=0.017) performed worse on the 6MWT (531.1±84.2 m versus 657.0±98.2 m, P<0.001) and are at a significantly higher risk for cardio-metabolic diseases. Relative risks ranged from 1.07 (0.84-1.36) for having dyslipidemia to 4.65 (1.77-12.17) for having hypertension.
Conclusions: PAVS-baseline assessment should be included in the routine assessment of people with schizophrenia.
Keywords: Exercise; Physical activity; Psychosis; Schizophrenia.
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