Assessment of Physical Activity, Balance, Muscle Strength, and Cognitive Function in Patients Diagnosed With Schizophrenia

Primary outcomes

1. Mini Mental State Examination

   Time frame: 2 weeks

   The standardized version of the MMSE (Mini Mental State Examination) developed by Folstein et al. (1975) was adapted by Molloy and Standish (1997). The MMSE allows for cognitive assessment in a short period of time. In this regard, the MMSE is a short, easy-to-administer, and standardized test used to assess global cognitive level. The test is widely used to evaluate the cognitive status of elderly individuals. A validity and reliability study in the Turkish population was conducted by Güngen and colleagues (2002). In their study, Güngen and colleagues (2002) determined that the 23/24 cutoff value of the Standardized Mini Mental Test (SMMT) had a sensitivity of 0.91, a specificity of 0.95, an inter-rater reliability of r:0.99, and a kappa value of 0.92. As a result, it was determined that the Standardized Mini Mental Test is valid and reliable in the Turkish population.

2. Handgrip Strength

   Time frame: 2 weeks

   The Jamar hand dynamometer, recommended by the American Hand Therapy Association (AETD) and widely accepted as the gold standard due to its high validity and reliability in numerous studies, will be used to measure hand grip strength. Hand grip strength will be measured in the standard position recommended by the ATA: sitting position, shoulders in adduction and neutral rotation, elbow at 90° flexion, forearm in mid-rotation and supported, wrist in neutral position. In the test procedure, three measurements will be taken for handgrip strength, with one-minute intervals between each measurement, and the averages will be recorded.

3. Berg Balance Scale

   Time frame: 2 weeks

   Berg Balance Scale The scale, consisting of a total of 14 items, assesses patients' balance skills. Each item is scored on a scale of 0-4. 0 = unable to perform, 4 = normal performance. The maximum score is 56, and a high score indicates better balance skills. The physical therapist administers the test by providing the necessary instructions to the patient in a manner they can understand after the patient has rested. The choice of which foot to use in certain items should be left to the patient. The materials required for the test (stopwatch, measuring tape, chair, step, slippers) should be prepared before beginning the assessment.

4. 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test

   Time frame: 2 weeks

   The individual will be positioned in the center of the chair with their back straight, feet flat on the ground, and arms crossed in front of their chest (right hand on left shoulder, left hand on right shoulder). In this position, the test will begin with the command "start," and the subject will perform as many full stand-ups as possible within 30 seconds. The number of full stand-ups performed within 30 seconds will constitute the subject's score. To ensure the test is performed safely, the back of the chair will be secured against a wall or a sturdy surface. Each participant will be shown how to perform the test, and after ensuring that they understand how to perform the test by having them attempt it 2-3 times, the test will begin.

5. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ):

   Time frame: 2 weeks

   Used to assess an individual's physical activity level over the past 7 days. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) consists of 4 questionnaires. There are long (5 independently asked activity areas) and short (4 general items) versions. The short version consists of questions about the time spent walking and engaging in moderate to vigorous and strenuous activities.