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Behavioural Intervention

Exercise for Hoarding Disorder (Exercise BDNF Trial)

N/A
Waitlist Available
Led By Hannah Levy, PhD
Research Sponsored by Hartford Hospital
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Age 45-65 years
Primary diagnosis of hoarding disorder
Must not have
Contraindications to engaging in exercise, including cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease, thyroid problems, uncontrolled hypertension
Significant mobility issues that would preclude brisk walking
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up immediately after the intervention or control condition
Awards & highlights

Summary

This trial aims to study hoarding disorder (HD) and its impact on physical health. Individuals with HD have difficulty getting rid of personal belongings, leading to excessive clutter in living spaces. They are at

Who is the study for?
This trial is for individuals with Hoarding Disorder (HD), characterized by difficulty discarding possessions and cluttered living spaces. Participants should have a primary diagnosis of HD to join the study, which aims to explore if exercise can help reduce distress associated with discarding items.
What is being tested?
The study tests whether a brief, 30-minute moderate-intensity exercise session can lower the emotional distress linked to throwing away possessions in people with HD compared to a relaxation control group. It also examines if this physical activity increases levels of BDNF, a protein potentially connected to HD severity.
What are the potential side effects?
Since the intervention involves moderate exercise or relaxation techniques, side effects are expected to be minimal. However, typical risks associated with moderate physical activity may include muscle soreness or strain.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
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I am between 45 and 65 years old.
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My primary diagnosis is hoarding disorder.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
Select...
I don't have heart, kidney, metabolic diseases, thyroid issues, or uncontrolled high blood pressure that would stop me from exercising.
Select...
I have trouble walking quickly due to mobility issues.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~experimenter will tally the number of items kept vs. discarded immediately after the discarding task
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and experimenter will tally the number of items kept vs. discarded immediately after the discarding task for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF)
Subjective Units of Distress Scale
Secondary study objectives
Number of items discarded

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Relaxation Control ConditionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
For participants randomized to the control group, they will sit in the testing room and watch informational videos about animals.
Group II: Exercise ConditionActive Control1 Intervention
For participants randomized to the exercise intervention, they will complete 30 minutes of brisk walking around the campus. They will be asked to maintain at least a moderate level of exercise intensity throughout the 30-minute walk.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

Hartford HospitalLead Sponsor
138 Previous Clinical Trials
19,375 Total Patients Enrolled
University of MiamiOTHER
935 Previous Clinical Trials
422,195 Total Patients Enrolled
Hannah Levy, PhDPrincipal InvestigatorHartford Hospital
~15 spots leftby Dec 2025
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