The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of physical fitness in schizophrenic disorders and further to examine the effect of physical training on their physical fitness. Subjects were 12 schizophrenic disorders (27-53y), 12 psychiatric disorders (23-53y) and 12 healthy subjects (33-52y). The training program consisted mainly of 45 minutes cycling ergometer, once or twice per week for 6 months. Sitting trunk flexion, grip strength, performance time, rating of perceived exertion and heart rate were measured before and after training. The results obtained were as follows, (1) Sitting trunk flexion and grip strength were no significant. (2) Before training, performance time of the schizophrenic disorders was significantly lower than those of psychiatric disorders and the healthy subjects, but it was increased after 6 months of training. These results suggest that the physical training is effective improving the lower level of physical fitness on the schizophrenic disorders and in enhancing their physical activity.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.22/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE