Eligible studies were of people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or other types of schizophrenia spectrum psychoses who underwent a physical therapy intervention compared with placebo, control intervention or standard care using a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Other eligible types of schizophrenia spectrum disorders included schizoaffective or schizophreniform disorder but not bipolar disorder or major depression with psychotic features. Physical therapy interventions could include aerobic exercises, relaxation training, strength exercises, basic body awareness exercises or a combination of these. Interventions could be used alone or in conjunction with other interventions such as pharmacotherapy, psycho-education and cognitive-behavioural or motivational techniques related to exercise behaviour. Weight management programmes were excluded. Outcomes of interest included assessments of mental health, physical health and health-related quality of life. Studies published as abstracts were excluded.
The trials included mostly men. The age of the participants ranged from 18 to 63 years. With the exception of two included trials, diagnoses of schizophrenia were made using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition (DSM-IV) criteria. Participants with first episodes or chronic conditions were included. Interventions ranged from single sessions up to seven sessions that lasted 20 to 60 minutes. Controls included yoga, waiting list, usual care, resting and reading control.
Two reviewers independently selected studies for inclusion.