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Description of physical activity in outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Author(s) -
Beebe Lora Humphrey,
Harris Robin Faust
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
international journal of mental health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.911
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1447-0349
pISSN - 1445-8330
DOI - 10.1111/inm.12008
Subject(s) - body mass index , physical activity , medicine , schizophrenia spectrum , calorie , obesity , schizophrenia (object oriented programming) , physical therapy , gerontology , psychiatry , psychosis
This study describes physical activity level in outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders ( SSD ) using extended‐wear pedometers. Demographic data, body fat and body mass index ( BMI ) measures were obtained from 24 outpatients. Participants were provided extended‐wear pedometers and instructed to wear them during waking hours for 1 week. More than 79% of subjects met C entres for D isease C ontrol ( CDC ) obesity criteria. Participants wore pedometers, on average, 6 days during the week. Men walked more steps, walked longer distances, and burned more calories each day; differences were statistically significant for steps and distance on days 3 ( t = 2.12, P = 0.045) and 5 ( t = 2.19, P = 0.04). Higher percent body fat and BMI were significantly associated with fewer steps walked on most days. Extended‐wear pedometers are an easy‐to‐use, cost‐effective way to document physical activity and evaluate efforts to help this vulnerable group achieve activity‐related health improvements.