The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Dual Task Performance and Executive Function among Man Schizophrenic Patients with Depressive Disorder

The ability to walk and perform cognitive tasks simultaneously is a key aspect of daily life. Performance declines in these dual-tasks may be associated with early signs of neurodegenerative disease and increased risk of falls. Thus, interventions to improve dual-task walking performance are of great interest. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of aerobic exercise on dual-task walking performance in in Man Schizophrenia patients with Depressive Disorder

This non-rMSE, score of depression) assigned to groups of intervention and control.  The aerobic exercise group participated in aerobic exercise program for 12 weeks, three sessions per week for one hour (totally, 36 sessions, 2160 minutes). Data of Pre-test and post-test resulting from the test of 10-meter gait speed under dual-task conditions were analyzed by Univariate analysis of covariance. Data of Pre-test and post-test resulting from the tests of N-back and Wisconsin card sorting analyzed by multiple analysis of covariance

Results showed that the two groups had significant differences in gait speed under dual-task conditions (p≤0.05). The Results of multiple analysis of covariance indicated that there was a significant difference between the aerobic exercise group and control group in post test scores of working memory and shifting attention.

According to the results of this study, aerobic exercise enhances executive functions and improves gait speed under dual task conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to include aerobic exercise in the rehabilitation programs of schizophrenic patients.