Studying How Physical Training Affects Brain Changes in Adults with Schizophrenia Using Aerobic and Flexibility Exercises to Understand Memory-Related Brain Areas

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how aerobic endurance training affects patients with schizophrenia, focusing on changes in the brains hippocampus, symptoms, cognition, and daily functioning. The study aims to understand genetic and epigenetic factors influencing brain plasticity after three months of endurance training compared to a control group performing flexibility, strengthening, and balance exercises. The main goal is to examine how a genetic risk score for schizophrenia relates to volume changes in a specific hippocampal region called CA4DG. Participants are randomly assigned to either aerobic endurance training using a bicycle ergometer or to flexibility, strengthening, and balance training. The endurance training starts with three 40-minute sessions per week for six weeks, then three 45-minute sessions per week for the next six weeks, conducted in small groups. The control group performs exercises focusing on stretching, strength, balance, and relaxation, with session durations increasing from 40 to 50 minutes over 13 weeks. During the 13-week study, participants undergo assessments of hippocampal volume, cognitive and executive functions, symptom severity, daily life functioning, and cardiovascular risk factors. The trial includes double-blind monitoring, and all participants receive individualized medication following standard treatment guidelines. The total study period allows researchers to observe brain structure and functional changes related to physical training in schizophrenia.

Insight Into Hippocampal Neuroplasticity in Schizophrenia by Investigating Molecular Pathways During Physical Training