Effects of physical therapy by means of exercise therapy on schizophrenia patients. A systematic review

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness that, in addition to its own psychopathology, causes cognitive, physical, metabolic, affective and social deterioration. The aim of this systematic review was to set up the effects on the bio-psycho-social state of exercise therapy in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: A systematic review was carried out in January 2021, based on a search strategy in the databases PubMed, Scopus, Medline, Cinhal and SportsDiscus. Moreover, bibliographies of articles and reviews related to the topic under study were consulted. Studies published in the last 5 years were identified, randomized clinical trials, with full access in English, which included interventions with therapeutic exercise and the evaluation of the effects they produce in patients with schizophrenia. Results: From 125 articles identified, 13 that fitted the criteria and the topic under study were finally included. In these cases, the most commonly used exercise therapy intervention is aerobic exercise, as well as yoga and tai chi. As aerobic exercise alternatives, pilates, stretching, toning and balance exercises have also been used. Studies showed effects of this type of exercise therapy, on a specific duration and frequency, with improvements in psychopathology, physical status, cognitive status, social functioning and functional capacity. Conclusions: Exercise therapy, mainly aerobic exercise, benefits patients with schizophrenia as a complement to pharmacological treatment by producing beneficial effects at the physical, cognitive, psychopathological and social levels.