Ecological monitoring of physical activity, emotions and daily life activities in schizophrenia: the DiAPAson study

Background

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) compromise psychosocial functioning, including daily time use, emotional expression and physical activity (PA).

Objective

We performed a cohort study aimed at investigating: (1) the differences in PA, daily activities and emotions between patients with SSD and healthy controls (HC); (2) the strength of the association between these variables and clinical features among patients with SSD.

Methods

Ninety-nine patients with SSD (53 residential patients, 46 outpatients) and 111 matched HC were assessed for several clinical variables, and levels of functioning by means of standardised clinical measures. Self-reported daily activities and emotions were assessed with a smartphone application for ecological momentary assessment (EMA), and PA levels were assessed with a wearable accelerometer for 7 consecutive days.

Findings

Patients with SSD, especially those living in residential facilities, spent more time being sedentary, and self-reported more sedentary and self-care activities, experiencing higher levels of negative emotions compared with HC. Moreover, higher functioning levels among patients were associated with more time spent in moderate-to-vigorous activity.

Conclusions

Sedentary behaviour and negative emotions are particularly critical among patients with SSD and are associated with more impaired clinical outcomes.

Clinical implications

Mobile-EMA and wearable sensors are useful for monitoring the daily life of patients with SSD and the level of PA. This population needs to be targeted with specific rehabilitative programmes aimed at improving their commitment to structured daily activities.