This study is evaluating whether a supervised resistance training (strength training) programme is feasible to perform in a first-episode psychosis service. It is also evaluating if resistance training can prevent harmful weight gain and improve physical health in people who have recently been diagnosed with First-Episode Psychosis and are starting antipsychotic medication. Antipsychotic medications are essential for treating psychosis, but they frequently cause rapid weight gain and metabolic side effects (such as changes in blood sugar and cholesterol) within the first few months of treatment. Resistance training is a form of exercise that builds muscle and improves how the body uses energy. An excess of calories, which would otherwise lead to accumulation of fat (adipose tissue), can help build strength and increase muscle size when paired with resistance training. Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: Intervention Group: Participants will receive their standard medical care plus a 12-week resistance training programme. This involves attending two 60-minute exercise sessions per week, supervised by a qualified instructor. The sessions will include exercises using resistance bands, machine weights, and free weights tailored to the individual's ability. Control Group: Participants will receive standard medical care only for the first 12 weeks. The study uses a "crossover" design, which means that after the initial 12 weeks, the Control Group will be offered the same 12-week resistance training programme. The main goals of this study are to determine if it is feasible to run this type of exercise programme for this group of patients and to measure the effects of the training on body fat levels, muscle strength, and overall physical and mental health
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40
Participants will attend a 12-week supervised resistance training programme consisting of two 60-minute sessions per week. Each session includes a 5-10 minute aerobic warm-up, 45-50 minutes of resistance exercises, and a 5-minute cool-down. The programme is individualised and supervised by a qualified exercise practitioner. The intervention targets major muscle groups using 6-8 core exercises (e.g., chest press, lat pulldown, leg press, seated row, overhead press) performed in 3 sets of 6-12 repetitions. Training begins with resistance bands to establish technique (weeks 1-2) before progressing to machine and free weights. The principle of progressive overload is applied by increasing the weight once a participant can comfortably complete 3 sets of 10 repetitions in two consecutive sessions. Sessions are conducted in small groups to foster social support
St Vincent's University Hospital / University College Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
Change in body fat percentage
Body composition will be assessed using a Tanita mc-780MA body composition analyser. The outcome measure is the difference in the change in body fat percentage between the intervention and control groups
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks
Number of participants recruited
Feasibility will be determined by achieving the target of 40 participants over the 24-month recruitment period.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Attendance by participants to intervention
Feasibility will be measured by adherence to the intervention: Determined by the percentage of participants randomised to the intervention arm who complete at least 16 of the 24 supervised sessions (≥66% adherence). The intervention is considered deliverable if ≥66% of participants meet this threshold.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Body Mass Index
Assessment of Body Mass Index (BMI, kg/m²) will be calculated by combining weight, measured with Tanita mc-780MA body composition analyser, and height, measured with a wall mounted height measurer.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Weight
Measured with Tanita mc-780MA body composition analyser. Will be used in conjunction with height to estimate Body Mass Index
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Change in HDL
Assessment of fasting blood samples to evaluate High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Change in Muscular Strength (Upper and Lower Body)
Maximal strength will be assessed using the One Repetition Maximum or Three Repitition Maximum test for the Chest Press, Row, and Leg Press exercises.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Change in LDL
Assessment of fasting blood samples to evaluate Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Changes in fasting glucose
Assessment of fasting blood samples to evaluate Glucose
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Change in HbA1c
Assessment of blood samples to evaluate Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c), which measures average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months by checking sugar attached to red blood cells. It is used to diagnose prediabetes (42-47) mmol/mol and diabetes (48) mmol/mol.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Change in functioning
Change in clinician-rated Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale. On a scale of 1-100, where 100 represents superior functioning with no symptoms, and 1 represents persistent danger of severely hurting self/others or, inability to maintain minimal personal hygiene.
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Change in self-rated function
Change in scores of the patient-rated 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L). This assesses five dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, anxiety/depression) across five levels of severity, providing a sensitive, validated tool for clinical and economic research. Consists of the EQ-5D descriptive system (5-digit health state) and the EQ VAS (Visual Analogue Scale), which records self-rated health on a 0-100 scale. Scoring: Results are used to create utility values (index scores) anchored at 0 (dead) and 1 (full health)
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Change in recovery scale scores
Change in score of the Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery, a 15-item self-administered tool used to measure personal recovery in individuals with mental health conditions, particularly psychosis. Items are rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 0 (strongly disagree) to 4 (strongly agree). Higher total scores indicate a greater degree of personal recovery
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Change in psychiatric symptoms
Assessment of psychiatric symptoms using Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Clinicians rate each symptom construct on a scale usually ranging from 1 (not present) to 7 (extremely severe), meaning a higher total score indicates greater psychopathology
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
Height
Measured with a wall mounted height measurer. Note, height is not expected to change, but will be used in order to calculate Body Mass Index
Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks, 24 weeks
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