Effect of a motivational group intervention on exercise self-efficacy and outcome expectations for exercise in schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

Background: Persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) contend with multiple barriers to exercise. Interventions are needed to enhance attitudes theoretically linked to exercise behavior.

Objective: To examine the effect of Walk, Address Sensations, Learn About Exercise, Cue Exercise for SSDs (WALC-S) intervention on exercise self-efficacy (SEE) and outcome expectations (OEES) in 97 outpatients with SSDs.

Design: Experimental, pre- and posttest. Randomization to experimental (WALC-S) or time-and-attention control (TAC) after baseline SEE and OEES measures. Measures repeated after WALC-S or TAC.

Results: N = 97, 46% female, 43% African American, average age 46.9 years (SD = 2.0). Mean SEE scores were significantly higher in WALC-S participants after intervention, F(1, 95) = 5.92, p = .0168, however, mean OEES scores were significantly higher in control participants after intervention, F(1, 95) = 5.76, p = .0183.

Conclusion: This is the first study to examine SEE and OEES in SSDs. Interventions to enhance exercise attitudes are a critical first step toward the ultimate goal of increasing exercise participation.