Virtual Group Fitness and Nutrition Intervention for Individuals with Psychosis

PI: Hannah Brown, MD

Co-I: Brittany Gouse, MD

Patients with Schizophrenia-Spectrum Disorders (SSD) are subject to a higher rate of mortality than the general population, often as a result of antipsychotic medications and their subsequent effects on cardiovascular health. While treatment-emergent cardiac effects play a role in the holistic health of a patient with SSD, evidence suggests that lifestyle factors also play a significant part in the morbidity and mortality of this population.

Sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy dietary habits have been identified as modifiable determinants of cardiometabolic health in patients with SSD. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of virtual nutritional and fitness interventions for remote participant engagement. Weekly group fitness and interactive nutritional information sessions are designed to positively change the dietary and exercise habits of patents with SSD.

This study is unique in its implementation of virtual outpatient services, examining the accessibility of this population and their acceptance of a new medium for therapeutic resources. This study will collect patent reviews of the virtual services, weekly attendance, and data pertinent to the cardiovascular health of its participants to assess the effectiveness of these interventions.