Background:

Motor neurological soft signs (SNMD) correspond to the motor part of discrete neurological systems and encompass the domains of motor coordination and sequencing of complex motor acts, defined as symptoms that are associated with motor changes in schizophrenia. SNMDs appear to be one of the early indicators in differentiating the diagnosis of schizophrenia, so their identification can help the diagnosis and monitoring of the course of the disease, as well as the choice of more adequate and effective treatment methods, despite the still scarce evidence a Nacional level.

Aim:

Evaluate and compare the SNMD of people with and without schizophrenia.

Methods:

The motor performance of the 60 participants with (n = 30) and without (n = 30) schizophrenia, between 24 and 93, 27 of the female gender and 33 of the male gender was evaluated by the Motor Brief Scale (EMoB).

Results:

There were significant differences between the two groups, visible in all items and psychomotor domains, especially at the level of motor coordination, visual and work memory, attention and reasoning ability, and motor planning and execution.

Conclusions:

Individuals with schizophrenia demonstrated a lower motor performance. Recommendations to practice and research are presented.

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