The Effect of Power Walking Exercise on Body Mass Index and Positive and Negative Symptoms in Patients with Schizophrenia

Purpose : This study was designed to evaluate the effects of power walking exercise on Body Mass Index(BMI) and Positive and Negative Symptoms in inpatients with schizophrenia. Method : The study was conducted from February 1 to April 10, 2005 at the S mental hospital in Gimcheon. Sixty schizophrenic patients were allocated into intervention group (n= 30) and control group (n=30). Intervention group received routine care and power walking exercise 3 times a week for 8 weeks whereas control group received only routine care. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, χ2_test, and independent t-test using SPSS/WIN 11.0 version. Result : Hypothesis I, "the BMI of the intervention group will be lower than that of control" was supported(t=-6.845, p=.000). Hypothesis II, "the scores of positive and negative symptoms of the intervention group will be lower than those of the control" was rejected(t=-1.418. p=.161). Conclusion : Results of the study showed that power walking exercise was effective for the reduction of BMI but did not show statistically significant improvement in PANSS. Further study may be necessary to determine the long term effects of the current power walking exercise.