Exercise 'improves brain function of people with schizophrenia'

Running on a treadmill or using an exercise bike can improve the brain functioning of people with schizophrenia, research has revealed.

Patients who took aerobic exercise, in addition to their medication, were found to better cope with their mental health condition than those who just took prescribed drugs.

The study by the University of Manchester, which was published in Schizophrenia Bulletin, found about 12 weeks of aerobic exercise training could significantly improve patients’ cognitive deficits, such as attention span.

Physical exercise

Researcher Joseph Firth said: 'We are searching for new ways to treat these aspects of the illness, and now research is increasingly suggesting that physical exercise can provide a solution.'

The study included 385 people with schizophrenia, combining data from 10 independent clinical trials.

Click here for the Schizophrenia Bulletin article