Investigating resistance training in people living with psychotic disorders.

Participants randomised to the intervention will be engaged in supervised resistance training (repetitive strength activities using hand weights suitable to a small clinic gym) three times per week for 8 weeks, 45 minutes per session. This will include a 10 minute warm up and 5 minute cool down. Volume will be progressed to 40 minutes of active exercise by week 4 of the intervention, with total duration including warm up and cool down 55 minutes. Participants will be supervised by an accredited exercise physiologist (AEP). They will participate in one to one sessions, in the small clinic gym of the mental health residential rehabilitation facility, the community care unit (CCU) in which they reside. The intensity of the intervention will be moderate in intensity, and will be calculated by conducting a 12 repetition maximum test (12-RM) for relevant large muscle groups - ie squat, bench press, bicep curl, and then via an established conversion calculator, Brzycki 1-RM Formula, 1-RM = Weight x (36 / (37 – Repetitions). The aim will be to increase muscle strength progressively over the 8 weeks. Training will be appropriate for beginners and be aimed at moderate intensity (40-70%) of estimated maximum strength, (1-RM). Week 1 will start with 40% of 1-RM, and progressed with 5% increments each week as per capacity of the individual, with 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions. Approximately six to eight exercises across main muscle groups used in activities of daily living were prescribed per session until a total of 30 minutes of active exercise was completed, or 40 minutes once the volume progressed in week 4. Six exercises across main muscle groups used in activities of daily living will be prescribed per resistance training session. As strength increases, sessions will be progressed using heavier weights, however each participant will be monitored for their response to training, and progression individualised. A typical session will include 6 exercises that target main muscle groups such as lower legs, back, arms/shoulders, and core, using a variety of standard resistance training equipment, for example; hand weights, kettle bells, resistance bands and a chest press bar and floor mat. An intervention session will involve whole body exercises that can be conducted using hand weights in a small clinic gym and hence easily replicated. Intervention sessions will be separated by a day to allow recovery in-between (ie Monday, Wednesday, Friday). A typical session is as follows: Sumo Squat Calf raises Bicep curl Crunches Row – theraband or hand weights Chest press All exercises are appropriate for resistance training in untrained participants and will be supervised by the AEP employed at each site. The content and weights of each session will be recorded using standard AEP protocol. Attendance will be recorded in a spreadsheet. Adverse events will be recorded, and addressed as per standard injury management protocol for the exercise program at the facility. Both exercise conditions (RT and control) will be aimed at moderate intensity exercise that will be balanced for total number of sessions and volume. The total volume of activity in RT was estimated to match what would have been attained if assigned to the AIT and in line with previous research protocols comparing aerobic with RT interventions in this population.