Exercise for Anxiety Disorders

KS
Overseen ByKristin Szuhany, PhD
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The overarching objective is to examine the brain-based biological mechanistic pathway by which exercise exerts anxiolytic effects. The investigators will measure brain-derived markers of mitochondrial metabolism (acetyl-L-carnitine \[LAC\]) and inflammation (interleukin-6 \[IL-6\]) using innovative technology to isolate neuronal exosomes.

Who Is on the Research Team?

KS

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

I have been mostly inactive, exercising less than 60 minutes a week for the last 3 months.
I have been diagnosed with GAD, social anxiety, or panic disorder.
I am between 18 and 50 years old.
See 1 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants complete a 4-week exercise intervention with 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week at home, measured using Fitbits

4 weeks
Baseline, Week 2, Week 4 assessments

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

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

Group I: Individuals with Anxiety DisorderExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Control IndividualsActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

NYU Langone Health

Lead Sponsor

Trials
1,431
Recruited
838,000+