S18. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, CLINICAL AND COGNITIVE CHARACTERISTICS AND BDNF MRNA LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH SEVERE MENTAL DISORDERS

• Published in: Schizophrenia bulletin 2019-04, Vol.45 (Supplement_2), p.S312-S312
• Main Authors: Aas, Monica, Djurovic, Srdjan, Ueland, Torill, Mørch, Ragni H, Laskemoen, Jannicke F, Reponen, Elina J, Cattaneo, Annamaria, Steen, Nils E, Agartz, Ingrid, Melle, Ingrid, Andreassen, Ole A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Poster Session III
• ISSN: 0586-7614; 1745-1701
• DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbz020.563

Abstract Background Here we aimed to clarify the association of physical activity with cognitive function and current mood in severe mental disorders in the most extensive sample to date. Secondly, we aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity and BDNF mRNA levels. Methods Three hundred and six patients with a DSM-IV Schizophrenia (SZ) or Bipolar Disorder spectrum (BD) diagnosis were included. Diagnostic assessment was undertaken using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. Depressive symptomatology was measured using the Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (IDS-C) and the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS). All patients underwent neuropsychological assessment. Physical activity was measured as hours spent on any regular physical activity (≥ or ˂ 90 min) per week, and as a continuous variable. BDNF mRNA was measured in plasma using standardized procedures. Results Patients with ≥90 min of physical activity per week had fewer depressive symptoms (p˂0.001, Cohen’s d=0.48) and performed significantly better on working memory (p˂0.001, d=0.44) and executive functioning tasks (p˂0.001, d=0.50) compared to the ˂90 min group. BDNF mRNA was positively associated with physical activity (p=0.046) and cognitive functioning (p=0.037). Similar findings were observed when analyzing physical activity as a continuous variable. Discussion Our study suggests a positive association between self-reported physical activity, cognitive function and mood in severe mental disorders. Moreover, our study is the first to show a positive association between higher BDNF mRNA levels measured in plasma and physical activity, as well as a positive association between BDNF mRNA levels in plasma and cognitive functioning.