Virtual group-based walking intervention for persons with schizophrenia : A pilot randomized controlled trial
Journal article
Browne, Julia, Battaglini, Claudio, Jarskog, L. Fredrik, Sheeran, Paschal, Abrantes, Ana M., Elliott, Tonya, Gonzalez, Oscar and Penn, David L.. (2023). Virtual group-based walking intervention for persons with schizophrenia : A pilot randomized controlled trial. Mental Health and Physical Activity. 24, p. Article 100515. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100515
Authors | Browne, Julia, Battaglini, Claudio, Jarskog, L. Fredrik, Sheeran, Paschal, Abrantes, Ana M., Elliott, Tonya, Gonzalez, Oscar and Penn, David L. |
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Abstract | Persons with schizophrenia have reduced cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), a predictor of all-cause mortality. Exercise is effective for improving CRF; however, motivational challenges affecting those with schizophrenia impact exercise engagement and maintenance. Virtual Physical Activity Can Enhance Life (Virtual PACE-Life), a multicomponent walking intervention guided by self-determination theory (SDT), was developed to target CRF in this population while addressing motivational difficulties. Virtual PACE-Life includes live video-delivered group walking sessions, Fitbit activity tracking, recommendations for home-based walking sessions, goal setting, and if-then plans. The present study was a 16-week pilot randomized controlled trial that evaluated the impact of Virtual PACE-Life against Fitbit Alone in a sample of 37 participants with schizophrenia on intermediate targets (competence, autonomy, and relatedness satisfaction, autonomous motivation), proximal outcomes (Fitbit-measured steps/day and minutes spent walking), and the primary outcome (CRF using the 6-min walk test). Blinded research staff completed assessments at baseline, midpoint, posttest, and one-month follow-up. Analysis of covariance and hierarchical linear regression analyses were used to evaluate group differences at each timepoint controlling for baseline. Attendance at Virtual PACE-Life groups was 58% and Fitbit adherence was above 70% in both conditions. Intent-to-treat results indicated greater competence and autonomy satisfaction for Virtual PACE-Life but not in relatedness satisfaction or autonomous motivation. There were no group differences in proximal or primary outcomes during the intervention period. Completer analyses showed improvements in steps/day and autonomous motivation favoring Virtual PACE-Life. Future research is needed to maximize the exercise and CRF benefits of virtual group-based exercise for persons with schizophrenia. |
Keywords | video-delivered; remote; exercise; cardiorespiratory fitness; self-determination theory |
Year | 2023 |
Journal | Mental Health and Physical Activity |
Journal citation | 24, p. Article 100515 |
Publisher | Elsevier Ltd |
ISSN | 1755-2966 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2023.100515 |
PubMed ID | 37123563 |
Scopus EID | 2-s2.0-85148901233 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC10135421 |
Page range | 1-11 |
Funder | National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), United States of America |
Department of Veterans Affairs, United States of America | |
Publisher's version | License All rights reserved File Access Level Controlled |
Output status | Published |
Publication dates | |
Online | 27 Mar 2023 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 16 Mar 2023 |
Deposited | 29 Apr 2025 |
Grant ID | R34MH111852 |
NCT04173572 | |
IK1RX003904 | |
Additional information | Published by Elsevier Ltd. |
https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/91qz1/virtual-group-based-walking-intervention-for-persons-with-schizophrenia-a-pilot-randomized-controlled-trial
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