Skrinar, G. S., Huxley, N. A., Hutchinson, D. S., Menninger, E., & Glew, P. (2005). The role of a fitness intervention on people with serious psychiatric disabilities. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 29(2), 122-127.

The purpose of this study was to determine if a cardiovascular and resistance training program would improve body composition and fitness, as well as emotional well-being and general feelings of wellness in people with mood or psychotic disorders. Thirty adults with mood or psychiatric disorders were assigned to a healthy life group or control group and were introduced to a 12-week exercise and health education program. Physiological and psychological components were measured. Although the intervention group reported greater weight loss than the control group, there was no significant difference in weight, BMI, body fat percentage, pulse rate, blood lipid, or any of the other physiological measures. A subjective rating of general health and empowerment was significantly improved in the exercise group. Despite none of the other differences being significant, scores on all of the tests increased in a positive direction following the intervention. This study supports the trend that exercise interventions may encourage weight loss, particularly if barriers to participation can be addressed, and also may contribute to "perceived" well-being.

For the full abstract, go to http://www.ncpad.org/591/2538/The~role~of~a~fitness~intervention~on~ people~with~serious~psychiatric ~disabilities~.