Efficacy of six months physical activity on exercise capacity in patients with mental disorders (resident in a community service)

Aim. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the long-lasting effects of physical activity on exercise capacity in patients with mental disorders within a Community Residential Service. Methods. Eleven patients underwent tri-weekly sessions of a structured program of physical training for a period of 6-months (T6) followed by a 6-month period of program discontinuation (T12). During physical training patients performed different types of exercises mainly identified as free walking and gym sessions. At the end of the structured physical training, a period of discontinuation was proposed. During this time patients were free to choose whether to continue physical activity alone or stop altogether. Six-minute walking test (6MWT), body weight, waist circumference, steps counts, and quality of life were evaluated in all patients at baseline (T0), T6 and T12. At T6 adherence, training effect during different physical activities (free walking and gym sessions), and patients and counsellors satisfaction were also measured. Results. Six-minute walking distance increased significantly at T6 vs. TO (+ 69 (SD57) meters; P