Morphofunctional Parameters and Quality of Life of People with Schizophrenia Practicing Nordic Walking

Description of intervention: The intervention consists of an 8-week Nordic Walking program for adults with schizophrenia, with three supervised sessions per week lasting 60–90 minutes each. Materials provided: Nordic walking poles and Garmin Vivofit 4 smartbands to monitor step count and heart rate. Session structure: Two sessions per week focus on Nordic Walking technique, and one session on resistance and strengthening exercises. All sessions are held outdoors in a green environment. Procedures: The first six sessions teach proper Nordic Walking technique; the remaining eighteen sessions aim to refine technique, improve aerobic endurance, and strengthen muscles. Each session includes warm-up, main exercises, and cool-down, adapted individually based on participants’ physical and mental state. Workout examples: 1. Half-Squat with Calf Raise -Stand in a straddle stance with feet firmly on the ground. -Bend your knees into a half-squat. -Rise up onto your toes, then lower back down. 2.Arm Abduction with Resistance Band -Stand in a straddle stance with arms extended forward. -Place a resistance band around your wrists. -Move your arms outward to stretch the band, then return to the starting position. 3.Arm Raise with Resistance Band -Stand in a straddle stance with arms extended forward. -Keep the resistance band stretched around your wrists. -Raise your arms upward above your head, then lower them down while maintaining band tension. 4.Lateral Steps with Resistance Band -Stand in a straddle stance with hands on your hips. -Place a resistance band just above your ankles. -Step to the side, abducting one leg while stretching the band (walk in a half-squat position). 5.Trunk Twists with Sticks -Stand in a straddle stance holding sticks in front of your body. -Rotate your torso to one side, then return to the center. -Repeat on the opposite side. 6.Lunge with Arm Raise -Step forward into a lunge with one leg. -Keep your arms down at your sides. -Raise your arms upward, then lower them back down while holding the lunge position. Personnel: Sessions are led by a qualified and certified trainer responsible for both Nordic Walking and resistance exercises. Group size: Sessions are conducted in groups of up to 12 participants. Adherence monitoring: Attendance is recorded via checklists. Exertion levels are assessed with the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion scale after each session. Smartband data on steps and heart rate are also monitored. Personalization: Training intensity and difficulty are adjusted weekly based on participant feedback, Borg scale scores, smartband data, and trainer observations. Organization: Sessions use varied group setups, including frontal and paired formations, to facilitate individualization and effective instruction.