Home-Based Exercise for Serious Mental Illness

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Julia W Browne, PhD

Research Sponsored by VA Office of Research and Development

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Chart diagnosis of SMI (i.e., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder)

Age 50 or older

Must not have

Diagnosis of Alzheimer's or related dementia

Presence of any medical contraindication for exercise including unstable angina, active proliferative diabetic retinopathy, oxygen dependence, or frank incontinence

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up through completion of study (an average of 2 years)

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial will examine if exercise interventions can improve physical function and quality of life for older Veterans with serious mental illness.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for older Veterans aged 50+ with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder. They must be stable with no recent hospital stays for mental health issues and medically cleared to exercise. Those already exercising regularly or enrolled in a VA program, or with conditions like unstable angina or dementia cannot join.

What is being tested?

The study is testing the effectiveness of a home-based exercise program designed to improve physical function and quality of life in older Veterans with serious mental illness. It aims to see if this approach is practical and well-received by participants.

What are the potential side effects?

Since it's an exercise program, potential side effects might include typical workout-related issues such as muscle soreness, fatigue, joint pain, or injury. However, each individual's experience may vary.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder.

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I am 50 years old or older.

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I haven't been hospitalized for mental health issues in the last 3 months and my psychiatric treatment hasn't changed recently.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or a similar type of dementia.

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I do not have medical conditions like unstable heart pain, severe eye problems due to diabetes, need for constant oxygen, or uncontrollable urine leakage that would prevent me from exercising.