Influence of Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour and Cardiorespiratory Fitness on Cardiometabolic Risk and Effects of Combined Physical Exercise in People Diagnosed with Severe Mental Disorder

Abstract

Objectives: 1) to explore the possible independent associations of sedentary activity, physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness with clustered and individual cardiometabolic risk (waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL and glucose) in people with severe mental disorder (SMI); 2) to evaluate the feasibility and effects of an aerobic and strength physical exercise intervention during 12 weeks in prison inmates with SMI. Methods: In 43 people with SMI, the levels of sedentary and physical activity were objectively measured, and cardiorespiratory fitness with a submaximal field-based test (Objective 1). Forty-one men prison inmates with SMI were randomly allocated to intervention group (n = 21) were randomly allocated to intervention group (n = 20) (Objective 2). Results: Only cardiorespiratory fitness remained significantly related to clustered cardiometabolic risk independent of multiple confounders, including sedentary and physical activity. The intervention was safe, feasible and effective for improving, anthropometric measures, and reducing the presence of cardiometabolic risk factors. Conclusions: The findings highlight the usefulness of cardiorespiratory fitness and physical exercise as complementary tools in the treatment of people with SMI.