Outdoor versus indoor exercise to reduce negative symptoms in schizoaffective disorder
Synergy Between Physical Activity and Outdoor Green Environments to Reduce the Intensity of Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: a Pilot Study.
This project will test whether 8 weeks of outdoor exercise helps adults (18–55) with schizoaffective disorder and persistent negative symptoms more than the same exercise done indoors.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Saint-Etienne, France) |
| Trial ID | NCT07058389 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults aged 18–55 with schizoaffective disorder and persistent negative symptoms are enrolled to participate in an 8-week supervised physical activity program delivered either outdoors in green spaces or indoors. Participants are regularly followed in the psychiatry department and must be medically cleared for exercise. Negative symptoms are measured using self-report scales (SNS) alongside assessments of quality of life and physical fitness before and after the intervention. The trial compares the effect of exercising in a green environment versus an indoor setting on the intensity of negative symptoms.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–55 with schizoaffective disorder who have persistent negative symptoms (SNS > 7), are under regular psychiatric follow-up, and have no medical contraindication to physical activity are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with significant cardiac or chronic joint problems, central neurological disease, pregnant women, those with excessive alcohol or caffeine intake, or those unable to attend in-person sessions are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, exercising in outdoor green environments could better reduce negative symptoms and improve quality of life and cardiovascular health for people with schizoaffective disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows exercise can improve symptoms in schizophrenia and that green-space exposure benefits mental health, but no study has directly compared outdoor versus indoor exercise specifically for negative symptoms.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with schizophrenia, aged 18 to 55 years * Having persistent negative symptoms (SNS), negative symptoms self-assessment scale \> 7 * Regularly monitored in the psychiatry department. * Have no medical contraindications to physical activity * Subject affiliated with or entitled to a social security system. * Subject having received informed information about the study and having co-signed, with the investigator, consent to participate in the study. * Male or female. Exclusion Criteria: * Patient unsuitable for study in the opinion of the investigator * Any subject with chronic joint pathologies (example: repeated sprains, patellar or ligament problems) or cardiac pathologies. * Any subject presenting chronic or central neurological pathologies. * Any subject deprived of liberty or subject to legal protection * Excessive consumption of alcohol (\> 14 glasses per week) or caffeinated drinks (\> 400 mg of coffee per day). * Pregnant women. * Subject unable to understand the purpose and conditions of the study, unable to give consent.
Where this trial is running
Saint-Etienne, France
- CHU de Saint-Etienne — Saint-Etienne, France, France (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Medhi HOUSNI, Md — CHU de Saint-Etienne
- Study coordinator: Medhi HOUSNI, Md
- Email: Mehdi.Housni@chu-st-etienne.fr
- Phone: (0)477127885
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.