Exercise effects on cognitive functioning in young adults with first-episode psychosis: FitForLife

Background Exercise has mood-enhancing effects and can improve cognitive functioning, but the effects in first-episode psychosis (FEP) remain understudied. We examined the feasibility and cognitive effects of exercise in FEP. Method Multi-center, open-label intervention study. Ninety-one outpatients with FEP (mean age = 30 years, 65% male) received usual care plus a 12-week supervised circuit-training program, consisting of high-volume resistance exercises, aerobic training, and stretching. Primary study outcome was cognitive functioning assessed by Cogstate Brief Battery (processing speed, attention, visual learning, working memory) and Trailmaking A and B tasks (visual attention and task shifting). Within-group changes in cognition were assessed using paired sample t tests with effect sizes (Hedges’ g ) reported for significant values. Relationships between exercise frequency and cognitive improvement were assessed using analysis of covariance. Moderating effects of gender were explored with stratified analyses. Results Participants exercised on average 13.5 ( s . d . = 11.7) times. Forty-eight percent completed 12 or more sessions. Significant post-intervention improvements were seen for processing speed, visual learning, and visual attention; all with moderate effect sizes ( g = 0.47–0.49, p p g = 0.43–0.69). A significant bivariate correlation was found between total training frequency and improvements in visual attention among males ( r = 0.40, p Conclusion Supported physical exercise is a feasible and safe adjunct treatment for FEP with potential cognitive benefits, especially among females.