Study of Yoga and Strength Training to Support Outpatient Treatment for Adults with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders

What this Trial Is About

This trial investigates the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a Yoga-based Group Intervention YoGI compared to Strength and Flexibility Training SFT and treatment as usual TAU for outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. The study is designed as a three-arm, single-blind randomized controlled pilot trial to provide initial evidence and inform future larger studies. It evaluates patients with psychotic disorders using various self-reports and blinded assessments to measure mental health, mindfulness, symptoms, and social functioning. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups YoGI plus TAU, SFT plus TAU, or TAU alone. YoGI consists of weekly 50-minute sessions for 12 weeks involving breathing exercises, yoga postures, and relaxation techniques accessible to all physical abilities. SFT also meets weekly for 50 minutes over 12 weeks and includes warm-up, strengthening, flexibility exercises, and stretching, also adaptable for all participants. The TAU group continues their usual outpatient care without additional intervention during the study period. Throughout the 12-week intervention and follow-up, participants complete assessments at baseline, after 12 weeks, and three months later. Researchers collect data on acute stress, perceived effort, and unpleasant experiences during each session, as well as ratings of exercise performance and participation quality. The study measures outcomes like symptom severity, mindfulness, depression, anxiety, psychological well-being, social function, cognitive function, and physical activity. Participants data are securely managed, and they receive compensation for completing the study.

Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of Yoga-based Group Intervention for Outpatients With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders