Physical activity interventions to improve cognition in first-episode psychosis: What we know so far

Abstract Background Cognitive impairment is a core feature of psychosis, which adversely affects global functioning and quality of life and has been consistently reported from the early stages of illness. Patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) exhibit deficits in processing speed, short-term...

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Main Authors: Cinzia Perlini, Maria Gloria Rossetti, Francesca Girelli, Marcella Bellani
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press 2024-01-01
Series:European Psychiatry
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Online Access:https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0924933824017929/type/journal_article
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author Cinzia Perlini
Maria Gloria Rossetti
Francesca Girelli
Marcella Bellani
author_facet Cinzia Perlini
Maria Gloria Rossetti
Francesca Girelli
Marcella Bellani
author_sort Cinzia Perlini
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Cognitive impairment is a core feature of psychosis, which adversely affects global functioning and quality of life and has been consistently reported from the early stages of illness. Patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) exhibit deficits in processing speed, short-term memory, attention, working memory, and executive functioning, which respond poorly to psychotropic drugs. Among non-pharmacological approaches, physical activity has shown promise in improving cognitive functioning in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. However, current evidence lacks specific data on individuals with FEP. In this review, we aim to explore the potential role of physical activity-based interventions in ameliorating the cognitive functions of people with FEP. Methods The literature search was conducted on PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science in March 2024, identifying 127 de-duplicated records. One additional article was identified by screening the reference lists of the included studies. A total of six studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. They all analyzed the effect of structured physical activity interventions on the cognitive functioning of patients with FEP. Results Preliminary findings suggest that physical activity interventions enhance memory, attention, and executive functions of patients with FEP but not social cognition and motor function. Conclusions Study differences in sample characteristics, design, and intervention protocols prevent firm conclusions about the cognitive-boosting effects of the interventions in FEP. Further studies using more rigorous methodologies are needed to understand the durability of these effects and the underlying mechanisms.
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spelling doaj-art-a663fee15bef473f8131558f757ea50e2025-08-20T02:36:15ZengCambridge University PressEuropean Psychiatry0924-93381778-35852024-01-016710.1192/j.eurpsy.2024.1792Physical activity interventions to improve cognition in first-episode psychosis: What we know so farCinzia Perlini0Maria Gloria Rossetti1https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7843-8721Francesca Girelli2https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3169-3324Marcella Bellani3https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1727-5396Section of Clinical Psychology, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, ItalySection of Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy Unit of Psychiatry, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata (AOUI) Verona, Verona, ItalyDepartment of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, ItalySection of Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy Abstract Background Cognitive impairment is a core feature of psychosis, which adversely affects global functioning and quality of life and has been consistently reported from the early stages of illness. Patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) exhibit deficits in processing speed, short-term memory, attention, working memory, and executive functioning, which respond poorly to psychotropic drugs. Among non-pharmacological approaches, physical activity has shown promise in improving cognitive functioning in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. However, current evidence lacks specific data on individuals with FEP. In this review, we aim to explore the potential role of physical activity-based interventions in ameliorating the cognitive functions of people with FEP. Methods The literature search was conducted on PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science in March 2024, identifying 127 de-duplicated records. One additional article was identified by screening the reference lists of the included studies. A total of six studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. They all analyzed the effect of structured physical activity interventions on the cognitive functioning of patients with FEP. Results Preliminary findings suggest that physical activity interventions enhance memory, attention, and executive functions of patients with FEP but not social cognition and motor function. Conclusions Study differences in sample characteristics, design, and intervention protocols prevent firm conclusions about the cognitive-boosting effects of the interventions in FEP. Further studies using more rigorous methodologies are needed to understand the durability of these effects and the underlying mechanisms. https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0924933824017929/type/journal_articleaerobic exercisecognitionfirst-episode psychosisphysical activity
spellingShingle Cinzia Perlini
Maria Gloria Rossetti
Francesca Girelli
Marcella Bellani
Physical activity interventions to improve cognition in first-episode psychosis: What we know so far
European Psychiatry
aerobic exercise
cognition
first-episode psychosis
physical activity
title Physical activity interventions to improve cognition in first-episode psychosis: What we know so far
title_full Physical activity interventions to improve cognition in first-episode psychosis: What we know so far
title_fullStr Physical activity interventions to improve cognition in first-episode psychosis: What we know so far
title_full_unstemmed Physical activity interventions to improve cognition in first-episode psychosis: What we know so far
title_short Physical activity interventions to improve cognition in first-episode psychosis: What we know so far
title_sort physical activity interventions to improve cognition in first episode psychosis what we know so far
topic aerobic exercise
cognition
first-episode psychosis
physical activity
url https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0924933824017929/type/journal_article
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AT mariagloriarossetti physicalactivityinterventionstoimprovecognitioninfirstepisodepsychosiswhatweknowsofar
AT francescagirelli physicalactivityinterventionstoimprovecognitioninfirstepisodepsychosiswhatweknowsofar
AT marcellabellani physicalactivityinterventionstoimprovecognitioninfirstepisodepsychosiswhatweknowsofar