The influence of group physical activity on oxytocin, empathy, affect, and stress in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in a single-arm, pilot and exploratory study

Research showed low plasma levels of the neuropeptide oxytocin in schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD), correlating with reduced empathy and negative symptoms. After oxytocin administration an increase in empathy was observed in healthy individuals, but the results are generally mixed. Endogenous oxytocin plasma levels increased after physical activity (PA). Due to the role of social factors in oxytocin’s effects, this study examined group-based PA in SSD and its effects. N = 34 individuals with SSD were recruited at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Groups of up to six patients participated in a 30-minute manual-based PA session focusing on body tension and posture. Changes were assessed in plasma oxytocin, empathy, affect, and stress using self- and rater-based questionnaires. Oxytocin plasma levels significantly increased from baseline to post-participation in group-based PA. Moreover, significant reductions in negative affect (Positive and Negative Affect Scale), symptom-related distress, and increased contentment were found, as well as a trend toward a reduction of Personal distress on the Interpersonal Reactivity Index measuring empathy. In this exploratory study group PA resulted in elevations in endogenous oxytocin plasma levels. Secondary outcomes were mixed regarding empathy with only a trend toward reduction in Personal distress. Overall, group PA may have a stress-reducing effect, although it remains to be investigated whether oxytocin is the biological component in this process. Group PA could be a cost-effective adjunct treatment option for individuals with SSD. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm effects and disentangle the interplay of PA, changes in oxytocin levels and symptoms in SSD.