RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07058389

Synergy Between Physical Activity and Outdoor Green Environments to Reduce the Intensity of Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia.

Synergy Between Physical Activity and Outdoor Green Environments to Reduce the Intensity of Negative Symptoms in Schizophrenia: a Pilot Study.

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint Etienne

Enrollment

45 participants

Start Date

Oct 7, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Schizoaffective Disorder

Summary

Physical activity appears to be a novel and original adjunctive therapeutic approach in the management of patients with schizophrenia. It may help reduce schizophrenic symptoms, act as a pro-cognitive therapy, improve quality of life, and reduce cardiovascular comorbidities. Moreover, some evidence suggests that physical activity practiced in a natural environment has even more positive effects on mental health compared to physical activity carried out indoors or in urban settings. Indeed, greater exposure to greenery is associated with a better perception of general health and with reduced levels of cortisol, anxiety, and depression. No study has yet attempted to examine the impact of physical activity in green (outdoor) spaces compared to indoor physical activity on the negative symptoms of patients suffering from schizophrenia. The aim of this study is therefore to test this hypothesis.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 55 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing whether combining physical activity with time outdoors in green natural environments (parks, gardens) can reduce negative symptoms of schizophrenia — such as lack of motivation, social withdrawal, and reduced emotional expression — more effectively than standard care alone. **You may be eligible if...** - You have been diagnosed with schizophrenia - You are between 18 and 55 years of age - You experience persistent negative symptoms (measured by a standardized scale) - You are regularly followed by a psychiatry department - You have no medical conditions preventing physical activity - You are affiliated with a social security system (French health system requirement) **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have medical conditions that prevent safe exercise - You are currently experiencing a severe psychotic episode - You are not being followed by a psychiatric team - You are under 18 or over 55 years old Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

Interested in this trial?

Get notified about updates and connect with the research team.

Interventions

OTHER8-week outdoor physical activity program

EXT group will perform aerobic and resistance exercises with a coach in adapted physical activities on a green environment in a parc. Sessions will be typically composed as follows: * Warm-up (20 min) * Aerobic exercise (30 min) at RPE 4 to 7 on the Borg scale * Muscular strengthening (25 min) at RPE 4 to 7 on the Borg scale * Cool-down, stretching and balance (15 min) EXR group will train for 8 weeks, twice a week for 1h30, following WHO recommendation.

OTHER8-week indoor physical activity program

INT group will perform aerobic and resistance exercises with a coach in adapted physical activities, inside a conventional gym. Sessions will be typically composed as follows: * Warm-up (20 min) * Aerobic exercise (30 min) at RPE 4 to 7 on the Borg scale * Muscular strengthening (25 min) at RPE 4 to 7 on the Borg scale * Cool-down, stretching and balance (15 min) INT group will train for 8 weeks, twice a week for 1h30, following WHO recommendation.