Effects of aerobic exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness and social functioning in veterans 40 to 65 years old with schizophrenia.

•Aerobic exercise can be safely implemented in Veterans 40 to 65 years old with chronic histories of schizophrenia.•Improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness can be obtained via a brisk walking schedule of three times per week over twelve weeks.•Trend level improvements in social functioning corresponded with positive changes in cardiorespiratory fitness, suggesting a link between the two.