Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42343729›Full record

SynthesisActas espanolas de psiquiatria2026

Impact of Structured Physical Exercise Programs (SPEs) on Symptoms and Clinical Outcomes in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review With Qualitative Synthesis of Randomized Controlled Trials (2015-2025).

Gustavo Baroni Araujo, Carolina Alves de Moraes Nicolau, Bruno Marson Maladogi, Sionaldo Eduardo Ferreira, Christian José Dos Santos, Helio Serassuelo Junior

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Actas espanolas de psiquiatria, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Gustavo Baroni AraujoAssociated Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, State University of Londrina (UEL), 86057-970 Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
Carolina Alves de Moraes NicolauAssociated Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, State University of Londrina (UEL), 86057-970 Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
Bruno Marson MaladogiDepartment of Sports Sciences, State University of Londrina (UEL), 86057-970 Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
Sionaldo Eduardo FerreiraDepartment of Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Physiology, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), 38025-440 Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Christian José Dos SantosPostgraduate Program in Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás (UFG), 74690-900 Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil.
Helio Serassuelo JuniorDepartment of Sports Sciences, State University of Londrina (UEL), 86057-970 Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundPeople with schizophrenia present persistent deficits that are poorly responsive to pharmacological treatment, particularly including negative symptoms and cognition. Recent evidence indicates that structured physical exercise programs (SPEs) can modulate relevant neurobiological mechanisms and improve essential clinical outcomes. Given the heterogeneity of existing protocols, a systematic synthesis of this evidence is necessary. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of SPEs on symptomatology, cognition, global functioning, and physical fitness in individuals with schizophrenia.

methodsA systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, with searches conducted in the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases. Randomized clinical trials with adults diagnosed with schizophrenia who underwent structured exercise interventions were included. Initial searches identified 756 records, of which 16 studies were included in the review and comprised the final synthesis. Data extraction followed a standardized form, and study characteristics are described using descriptive statistics.

resultsThe included trials demonstrated consistent effects of different categories of physical exercise on negative symptoms, general symptoms, and overall functioning related to physical fitness, as well as improvements in cognitive aspects. A variety of SPE protocols were observed, as well as different intensities and instruments for evaluating the effectiveness of the interventions. Regarding intensity, it was noted that low-intensity SPEs also produced benefits, especially in institutionalized contexts; however, the metabolic effects were less consistent. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of the protocols influenced the magnitude of the results.

conclusionsSPEs generate positive clinical impacts that are adaptable to the needs of each patient, an essential aspect given the common barriers observed in the diagnosis of schizophrenia. The findings support the integration of SPEs into mental health services, as a component capable of expanding clinical and functional outcomes, and offering an accessible intervention aligned with the needs of this population.

Indexed as

Exercise TherapySchizophreniaHumansRandomized Controlled Trials as TopicTreatment Outcome

Identifiers

PMID42343729
PMCPMC13294849

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.