220. Can Aerobic Exercise Boost the Impact of Cognitive Training?

Abstract

Background: Systematic cognitive training has led to signifcant gains in cognition in schizophrenia, but methods of enhancing learning during such training could greatly increase its impact. Aerobic exercise stimulates synaptic plasticity and may be an effective way to enhance learning dur-ing cognitive training. We hypothesize that combining aerobic exercise with systematic cognitive training will lead to larger cognitive gains and better work/school functioning than cognitive training alone. Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, 42 frst-episode schizophrenia patients were assigned to a 6-month intervention of either Cognitive Training & Exercise (CT&E) or Cognitive Training (CT). Both groups received neuroplasticity-based computerized cognitive training (Posit Science BrainHQ and SocialVille) at the clinic, 2 days/week, 2 hours/day. The CT&E group also participated in aerobic conditioning for 150 min-utes/week, using total body circuit training exercises. Exercise sessions were divided into two at the clinic and two at home. Participants were assessed with repeated measures of cognition (MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery; MCCB) and work/school functioning (Global Functioning Scale: Role). Results: By 3 months, the MCCB Overall Composite score improved sig-nifcantly more with CT&E than with CT alone (F = 6.42, P