Perceptions of an out-of-hospital physical exercise program among people with schizophrenia: CORTEX-SP study
Laburpena
Schizophrenia affects 24 million people worldwide and it is the third most disabling health condition in terms of severity. Its course is unpredictable, and the symptoms vary depending on the person. The pharmacological treatment is associated with many side effects while physical exercise programs are considered an interesting and useful non-pharmacological resource in the prevention and treatment of the pathology. The objective of the present study was to analyze the perceptions of the CORTEX-SP study among people with schizophrenia. The study involved a total sample of 35 people, and open semi structured interviews were used to collect the data. The interviews were carried out before and after the program. Content analysis resulted in three main categories: intrapersonal, interpersonal and environmental factors. Results reveal that the symptoms of the illness, as well as the pharmacological treatment, are most of the times barriers when it comes to practicing physical activity. Participants gave great importance to interpersonal relationships, specially to the exercise specialist and at a lesser extent to relatives and health professionals. Although there were some differences in relation to the number of people and their characteristics, all agreed that the fact that the program was out-of-hospital, had been a great facilitator to participate in the program. Also, regarding the characteristics of the program, everyone seemed happy with the type of exercise realized and the environment created at the sessions. These findings are relevant for health and physical activity professionals, educators, sports organizations and policymakers for promoting this type of programs.