Study designs of evaluations included in the review
There were no exclusion criteria to the type of study reviewed. Study designs included in the review were pre-experimental (one group pre-test post-test design), quasi-experimental (non-randomised) and experimental (randomised); these were categorised according to Campbell and Stanley (see Other Publications of Related Interest).
Specific interventions included in the review
Exercise or physical activity as a therapeutic intervention. Specific interventions were exercise programmes that included cycle ergometer, walking, jogging, swimming, weight training, muscle strengthening, 'movement', active 'games', aerobics, gardening, 'keep-fit' and occupational therapy. Studies investigated one or more type of intervention with various session times, session frequency and overall duration of treatment. Controls, where used, were no activity or non-aerobic activity.
Participants included in the review
Adults with schizophrenia. All patients had diagnoses of chronic schizophrenia and included male and female out-patients, in-patients, and sheltered accommodation patients.
Outcomes assessed in the review
The authors did not specify any inclusion or exclusion criteria relating to outcomes. Standard psychological instruments used included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Mental Health Inventory (MHI), Brief Psychotic Rating Scale (BPRS), the Nurses' Observation Scale for In-Patient Evaluation (NOSIE), the Profile of Mood States (POMS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Physical Estimation and Attraction Scales (PEAS) and the Symptoms Check List-90 (SCL-90). Qualitative measures ranged from more in depth ethnography, including participant observation, to standard interviewing techniques. Submaximal predicted oxygen uptake tests were also included.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors do not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many of the reviewers performed the selection.