Tracking Physical Activity Along the Psychosis Spectrum

Abstract

Conceptualization of psychosis on a symptom severity continuum has recently been supported by findings of high rates of people presenting with sub-threshold, non-clinical psychosis symptoms (PLEs). Sedentary behavior is common in people with psychotic disorders, and is associated with poor physical and mental health. Recent studies have examined levels of physical activity in individuals at high risk for psychosis, but none have studied a non-clinical sample displaying PLEs. The present study investigates the relation between PLEs and physical activity within an undergraduate student population (n = 45), using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) methods in which questionnaires were sent to mobile phones, minimizing recall-bias, and improving ecological validity. Questionnaires were sent six times a day, for one week, and assessed activity (quantified as sedentary, light, moderate, or vigorous) since last questionnaire. A total activity score was calculated using weighted sublevel activity scores. Self-reports assessing PLE were also conducted. Five separate multiple regressions were run in which PLEs were regressed onto level of activity (total, vigorous, moderate, light, and sedentary) while controlling for sex, age, body-mass index (BMI), and drug use. Results indicate PLEs predicted total physical activity, but models predicting sub-levels of activity were not significant. Findings extend prior literature on activity in individuals across the psychosis spectrum to suggest those within the less severe, subclinical PLEs population are also less physically active.