75 Minutes of Exercise May Cut Severe Illness Risk Like Medicine
Exercise should be prescribed in much the same way as medication to support brain health and treat serious mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, researchers say. A review by Canadian doctors found that as little as 75 minutes of moderate physical activity each week could deliver meaningful benefits.
Dr Carl Zhou, from the University of Ottawa’s department of psychiatry, said: “Exercise is still often presented as broad lifestyle advice. The evidence we reviewed points to a more structured approach: prescribing the type of activity, how often and how intensely it should be done, its duration, relevant safety considerations, and a follow-up plan—much as we would with medication.”
The review identified links between physical activity, better memory and fewer symptoms of depression. People living with schizophrenia and other severe mental health conditions are more likely to be sedentary, develop weight-related cardiovascular problems and die prematurely.
Researchers found evidence that exercise may support brain health in people with schizophrenia, particularly working memory and attention. Some studies also pointed to improvements in memory, although the evidence for this was less conclusive.
Dr Stanley Wong, from the University of Toronto’s Department of Psychiatry, said: “For people with schizophrenia, exercise may improve psychiatric symptoms, cognitive function and physical health simultaneously—three areas where the need for better support is considerable.
“However, the evidence on cognition comes from a small number of relatively modest trials. The next priority for the field is to conduct larger, adequately powered studies.”
Writing in the journal Genomic Press, the review authors said doctors should help patients who may benefit from exercise to “engage in movement that is safe, meaningful, and sustainable”.
They recommended that most patients begin with a low-risk form of activity, then gradually build up the amount and intensity. People with conditions such as frailty or respiratory disease may require additional support.
The review stated: “Compared with many medical interventions, exercise can be scalable and low-cost when access barriers are addressed.”
What does the NHS recommend?
The NHS advises adults aged 19 to 64 to complete at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise.
Examples of moderate aerobic activity include brisk walking, water aerobics, cycling, dancing and pushing a lawn mower.
Anyone who has not exercised for a while, or who has a medical condition or other concerns, can speak to their GP for advice on choosing suitable activities and an appropriate level of intensity.
The health service also recommends strength-building exercises involving all the major muscle groups on at least two days a week, while encouraging people to spend less time sitting down.
