High-Intensity Training in Patients with Schizophrenia - PsyLetics

• Applicant: Privatdozentin Dr. Theresa Katharina Lichtenstein
• Subject Area: Biological Psychiatry
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 575788455

Schizophrenia, characterized by its frequently chronic and highly disabling course, poses a significant challenge to effective treatment. While antipsychotic medication alleviates positive symptoms, negative symptoms and cognitive deficits often persist, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Non-pharmacological interventions, particularly physical activity, appear promising in this context, with high-intensity training (HIT) emerging as especially effective. There is evidence that HIT exerts positive effects on physiological parameters, mental health, and cognitive functioning in individuals with schizophrenia. Despite this potential, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain poorly understood. To advance knowledge in this area, the planned research project PsyLetics will investigate the effects of HIT in comparison to a low-intensity control intervention (vibration training). This control condition allows for the exclusion of non-specific effects as well as those related to low physical exertion. The study will assess improvements in clinical symptoms (PANSS/GAF), neurobiological changes including brain structure, inflammatory markers (including markers of the kynurenine pathway), metabolic parameters, and physical fitness. The aim is to systematically characterize and better understand the biological mechanisms underlying the efficacy of HIT in patients with schizophrenia.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants