Validation of a Physical Assessment Tool for Individuals with Schizophrenia (2004-2005)

Individuals with schizophrenia die younger from natural causes. The increased mortality rate is largely due to obesity related diseases. It is now recognised that the magnitude of weight gain induced by many antipsychotic agents, including the new atypical neuroleptics, is likely to have important deleterious effects on mortality and quality of life. There is a need to approach weight control with a combination of diet and regular physical activity. However, there is currently no validated instrument to measure physical activity in this population. Until we know we can validly and reliably assess physical activity in this population then we cannot assess the effectiveness of our interventions.

We are adopting a behavioural epidemiological framework to understanding physical activity in individuals with schizophrenia. The critical step for us is to develop methods for accurately measuring physical activity.

We are following standard procedures for validating a physical activity assessment tool. This initial validation is fundamentally essential for developing our research program that examines factors facilitating and inhibiting physical activity in individuals with schizophrenia. Additionally, valid methods for assessing physical activity patterns are essential for accurate evaluation of intervention programs.

At the end of this project, we will be better placed to understand the complexities of physical activity in this clinical population and to address the high prevalence of obesity in individuals with schizophrenia which is proportionally higher than the rest of the population. Specifically, the tool will be used to assess interventions designed to promote active living and a healthy body weight in this population group.