Exercise for Anxiety Disorders
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how exercise can reduce anxiety by examining changes in the brain. Participants will engage in 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week for four weeks, tracked with Fitbits. The trial is open to adults who have been mostly inactive and either have an anxiety disorder (such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or panic disorder) or no psychiatric issues. The goal is to understand how exercise affects brain markers related to stress and inflammation. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research on the mental health benefits of exercise.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, you will need to stop taking any current psychiatric medications to participate in this trial.
What prior data suggests that this exercise intervention is safe for individuals with anxiety disorders?
Research shows that exercise is generally safe and well-tolerated for treating anxiety. Studies have demonstrated that exercise can greatly reduce anxiety symptoms in people of all ages, from children to older adults. For instance, one study found that a 12-week exercise program significantly lowered anxiety levels in individuals with chronic anxiety. Another review found that exercise helped reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in older adults, enhancing their overall quality of life.
These studies suggest that exercise is not only effective but also safe for people with anxiety disorders. Reports of serious side effects from these exercise programs are absent. Most people can safely engage in moderate exercise, like the 150 minutes per week recommended in the study, making it a promising option for managing anxiety.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using exercise as a treatment for anxiety disorders because it offers a natural, side-effect-free alternative to medications like SSRIs and benzodiazepines, which are the typical standards of care. Unlike these drugs, which can take weeks to become effective and sometimes lead to dependency or other side effects, exercise can improve mental health with immediate and longer-lasting benefits. Additionally, the use of Fitbits to track exercise ensures that participants can easily monitor their progress, making it a more engaging and empowering option. This approach not only promotes physical health but also supports mental well-being, providing a holistic method to manage anxiety.
What evidence suggests that exercise intervention might be an effective treatment for anxiety disorders?
Research has shown that exercise can help reduce anxiety. Many studies have found that regular physical activity lowers anxiety levels. For example, aerobic exercise, which increases heart rate, is particularly effective. Other research confirms that exercise can ease mild-to-moderate anxiety and boost mood. Various groups, such as college students and patients visiting their doctor, have experienced these benefits. Overall, exercise is a promising way to manage anxiety. Participants in this trial will complete a 4-week exercise intervention, performing 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week at home, to further evaluate these effects.26789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Kristin Szuhany, PhD
Principal Investigator
NYU Langone Health
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for sedentary adults aged 18-50 with a primary psychiatric diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder. Participants must be capable and willing to provide informed consent.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants complete a 4-week exercise intervention with 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week at home, measured using Fitbits
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Exercise Intervention
Trial Overview
The study investigates how exercise affects brain chemistry related to anxiety. It measures markers like acetyl-L-carnitine and interleukin-6 in the brain using advanced technology to understand exercise's anxiolytic effects.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
All participants will complete the 4-week exercise intervention in which they'll be prescribed 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week at home, which will be measured using Fitbits.
All participants will complete the 4-week exercise intervention in which they'll be prescribed 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week at home, which will be measured using Fitbits.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
NYU Langone Health
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Effects of Exercise and Physical Activity on Anxiety - PMC
A number of research studies have pointed to the effectiveness of short-term aerobic exercise to reduce anxiety sensitivity (Broman-Fulks and Storey, 2008; ...
Effectiveness of physical activity interventions for improving ...
Results showed that physical activity is effective for reducing mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychological distress (median effect ...
One-year follow-up of a primary care-based 12-week ...
Twelve-week assessments showed more pronounced improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms in both exercise intervention groups compared to the control ...
A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Physical ...
Overall, PA interventions were effective at reducing anxiety, depression and stress, and showed potential for enhancing wellbeing in university ...
The effects of physical exercise on anxiety symptoms ...
Physical activity interventions were shown to have a positive effect on alleviating anxiety in college students. Aerobic exercise was found to be the optimal ...
Effect of exercise interventions on depression, anxiety, and ...
Existing studies have demonstrated that exercise significantly alleviates depression and anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents [9–12].
Mechanisms of exercise against anxiety disorder: A review ...
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) showed that a 12-week exercise intervention significantly reduced anxiety levels in patients with chronic ...
Exercise Interventions for Depression, Anxiety, and Quality ...
This systematic review meta-analysis found that exercise therapy was associated with reduced depression and anxiety severity and improved HRQOL in older adults ...
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journals.lww.com
journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2024/02230/effects_of_internet_based_exercise_intervention_on.3.aspxEffects of internet-based exercise intervention on... : Medicine
Internet-based exercise interventions yield significant amelioration in depression and anxiety symptoms, with heightened efficacy observed among individuals ...
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