The benefits of an exercise program for people with schizophrenia: a pilot study.

While the benefits of physical fitness have been extensively documented, there is a paucity of literature examining the impact of an exercise program on people experiencing a mental illness. An exploratory study was conducted with six patients diagnosed with schizophrenia who participated in a 3-month physical conditioning program. The findings suggest that most participants increased their physical strength and endurance and exhibited improvements in weight control and flexibility. The majority of patients reported increased fitness levels, exercise tolerance, reduced blood pressure levels, perceived energy levels and upper body and hand grip strength levels.