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Aim Recent research suggests aerobic exercise has a positive impact on symptoms and cognition in psychosis. Since individuals with psychosis are at risk of weight gain and the resultant metabolic side effects, developing effective exercise programs is of interest. Furthermore, this may be a useful intervention for those who are at risk of developing psychosis i.e. those at clinical high risk (CHR). The aim of this initial exploratory project was to examine the role of exercise in participants at CHR for psychosis. Methods A comprehensive questionnaire was developed to assess current physical activity involvement, exercise levels in terms of frequency, intensity and duration, and perceived fitness levels. Reported barriers to exercise and reasons for exercising were also considered. Eighty participants, 40 CHR and 40 healthy-controls, were assessed with this questionnaire. Results Overall, both groups were involved in a wide range of physical activity. Healthy controls reported higher levels of participation in indoor/outdoor activities and strength and/or flexibility training. They also exercised more frequently, more intensely and reported higher perceived fitness levels than CHR participants. Levels of exercise were unrelated to clinical symptoms and functioning in CHR participants. CHR youth reported more barriers to exercise and less positive reasons for exercising that were related to self-perception. Conclusion The results suggest that exercise should be investigated further in the CHR population as it may have treatment implications.

With minimal treatment and no antipsychotics, young people who present as being at risk for developing a psychotic disorder demonstrate clinical improvement over time. However, a few continued to have the liability of ongoing attenuated psychotic symptoms.

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Age at disease onset is the most important predictor of disability accumulation in PPMS. Bilateral motor onset symptoms were associated with quicker disease progression. In contrast to RRMS, we found no evidence for distinct phases of disability accumulation in PPMS. Disability accumulation in PPMS appears to be affected by the same factors throughout its course.