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Effects of severe and persistent mental illness on maximal aerobic capacity

Maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) is a good indicator of overall health and is commonly
measured in the general population, but often goes overlooked in individuals with SMI.
Previous studies involving exercise and SMI focus mainly on self-perception and mood.
Only one study has measured the VO2max in this select population while promoting exercise
and dietary changes. Purpose: To assess the maximum aerobic capacity, weight, and body
fat percentage (BF%) in individuals with SMI. Methods: Weight, BF%, and VO2max were
measured prior to wellness intervention (pre) and following wellness intervention (post).
Forty-nine individuals (27=male, 22=female) with a mean age of 43±13.20 years of age and
a diagnosis meeting the criteria for severe and persistent mental illness (SMI) were
assessed. SMI classification among the subjects as follows: schizophrenia (n=11), bipolar
disorder (n=17), schizoaffective disorder (n=14), major depressive disorder (n=7).
Results: No significant difference was observed between baseline and endpoint
measurements of BF% in all diagnoses except MDD. Males with MDD benefited from a
wellness intervention with a significantly lower BF% (p(.036);p<0.05). A wellness
intervention did not increase in the VO2max in individuals with SMI (p(.0358);p<0.05).
Individuals with SMI continually rated in the very poor to poor section for VO2max.
Conclusion: Individuals with SMI tend to have low aerobic capacity and high body fat
percentage. Individuals in the current study did not benefit from a wellness intervention in
terms of BF% and VO2max except males with MDD. Males with MDD significantly lowered
their BF% following a wellness intervention. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--Wichita State University, College of Education, Dept. of Human Performance Studies.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:WICHITA/oai:soar.wichita.edu:10057/3950
Date05 1900
CreatorsDrake, Rachel Mari’
ContributorsPatterson, Jeremy A.
PublisherWichita State University
Source SetsWichita State University
Languageen_US
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Formatix, 83 p.
Rights© Copyright 2011 by Rachel Mari’ Drake. All rights reserved

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