Impact of physical activity on functioning of patients with first-episode psychosis - A 6months prospective longitudinal study

There has been increasing interest in studying the impact of physical activity on the psychological and physical well-being and functioning in patients with first-episode psychosis. The exploration of factors which contribute to physical activity in psychosis may open up opportunities for improvement of functional outcome. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between physical activity level and functioning in psychosis. A total of 283 patients with first-episode psychosis were recruited from a specialized early intervention service for adult-onset psychosis (Jockey Club Early Psychosis Project) in Hong Kong. The level of physical activity, sociodemographics and clinical characteristics was assessed at study entry. Functioning was assessed at 6-months period. Ninety-six (33.9%) patients were categorized as physically inactive, and 187 (66.1%) of them were physically active. Being physically inactive (β = 0.163, P= 0.003), having more positive and negative symptoms [SAPS total score (β = -0.161, P= 0.005), and SANS total score (β = -0.202, P = 0.001)], and having lower household income (β = 0.207, P= 0.001) at baseline predicted poorer functioning at 6. months. Early intervention for psychosis should target to improve patients' physical activity level which may help subsequent functioning.