Benefits of Physical Exercise in Schizophrenia

Veterans in the physical exercise group will participate in a 12-week, instructor-led, outdoor brisk walking exercise program conducted in small groups, held 3 times per week, gradually increasing walking time until reaching a maximum of 40-minutes per session. The heart rate of each Veteran will be monitored during the walking sessions to help ensure maintenance of a target peak heart rate of 60% to 70% of the maximum for the individual's age (i.e., 220-age).

Veterans in the control condition will participate in instructor-led, non-aerobic stretching exercises conducted in small groups, held 3 times per week.