Description of physical activity in outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders

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 Centres for Disease Control (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.