Just 75 minutes of exercise can work 'like a drug' against severe illness
Exercise should be prescribed like a drug for brain health and severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, according to researchers. Canadian doctors who reviewed evidence from studies said as little as 75 minutes of moderate activity per week appeared to have significant benefits.
TL;DR
- Exercise should be prescribed like a drug for brain health and severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia.
- As little as 75 minutes of moderate activity per week can offer significant benefits.
- Prescribing exercise should involve specifying type, frequency, intensity, duration, safety, and follow-up.
- Physical activity is linked to improved memory and reduced symptoms of depression.
- Exercise can benefit people with schizophrenia by improving psychiatric symptoms, cognition, and physical health.
- Doctors should help patients engage in movement that is safe, meaningful, and sustainable.
- Exercise can be scalable and low-cost when access barriers are addressed.