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Project
Contribution of physical activity and physical fitness to the interrelated hippocampal structure-function abnormalities in early schizophrenia patients: a two year follow-up study.
Individuals at risk mental state for psychosis (ARMS) and first episodeschizophrenia patients (FE) have become a major focus for research designed to explore markers for early detection of, and clinical interventions for schizophrenia. Recent developments in brain -and neuropsychological research indicate the hippocampus as a key region in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Hippocampal interrelated structure-function abnormalities are present from the early phases of schizophrenia and are hypothesized to co-mediate the transition to psychosis onset.
The identification of correlates of hippocampal pathology in early schizophrenia can give important insights into the neurobiological nature of hippocampal deterioration and illness progression. Interestingly, studies in elderly show that higher levels of physical activity (PA) and physical fitness (PF) are associated with preservation of hippocampal volume and better memory performance. The present study wants to explore the contribution of PA and PF to the interrelated hippocampal structure-function abnormalities in early schizophrenia patients.
Literature regarding PA and PF in ARMS and FE patients is scarce. Physical inactivity and poor cardiorespiratory fitness have been reported in early phase schizophrenia patients. The absence of objective measurement and follow-up data of PA and PF level makes it difficult to tackle and modify these major risk health factors by the implementation of a feasible and acceptable exercise program for young people with severe mental illness.
The identification of correlates of hippocampal pathology in early schizophrenia can give important insights into the neurobiological nature of hippocampal deterioration and illness progression. Interestingly, studies in elderly show that higher levels of physical activity (PA) and physical fitness (PF) are associated with preservation of hippocampal volume and better memory performance. The present study wants to explore the contribution of PA and PF to the interrelated hippocampal structure-function abnormalities in early schizophrenia patients.
Literature regarding PA and PF in ARMS and FE patients is scarce. Physical inactivity and poor cardiorespiratory fitness have been reported in early phase schizophrenia patients. The absence of objective measurement and follow-up data of PA and PF level makes it difficult to tackle and modify these major risk health factors by the implementation of a feasible and acceptable exercise program for young people with severe mental illness.
Date:1 Oct 2011 → 30 Sep 2017
Keywords:Neurotrophins, Hippocampus, Memory, Neurocognition, Schizophrenia, Physical fitness, Physical activity
Disciplines:Psychiatry and psychotherapy, Nursing, Other paramedical sciences, Clinical and counselling psychology, Other psychology and cognitive sciences, Orthopaedics, Human movement and sports sciences, Rehabilitation sciences
Project type:PhD project