Exercise Training for Mental Illness
Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Overseen byRyan Garten, PhD
Age: 18 - 65
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: Virginia Commonwealth University
Must not be taking: Cardiovascular medications
Disqualifiers: Smoking, Drug use, Pregnancy, others
No Placebo Group
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?The purpose of this research study is to examine the effect of various forms of exercise training on blood vessel function in healthy individuals as well as individuals with mental health disorders (posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)).
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
If you are taking medications that affect heart and blood vessel function, you may need to stop them to participate in this trial.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Muscular Fitness Training Group, Strength Training, Resistance Training, Muscle Building Exercises, Muscular Strength Training Group, Resistance Training, Weight Training, Muscle Strengthening Exercise for mental illness?
Research shows that exercise programs, including strength and resistance training, can reduce depression and improve cognitive functions in people with mental illnesses. These programs have been associated with increased fitness, reduced depression scores, and improved quality of life.
12345Is resistance training safe for humans?
Resistance training is generally considered safe for most people when done correctly, as it can improve muscle strength and help prevent chronic diseases. Guidelines suggest that it can be safely performed by healthy individuals of all ages with appropriate exercise programs.
678910How does muscular fitness training differ from other treatments for mental illness?
Muscular fitness training, which includes strength and resistance exercises, is unique because it focuses on improving muscle strength and force-generating capacity, which can enhance functional performance and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia. Unlike other treatments that may target symptoms directly, this approach aims to restore physical capabilities and may indirectly improve mental health by increasing patient activation and overall well-being.
368911Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for healthy individuals and those with PTSD or GAD who have specific scores on mental health scales. It's not for pregnant women, current/recent smokers, people with limited English proficiency, those on certain cardiovascular meds, drug/alcohol users, or anyone on a significant calorie restriction.Inclusion Criteria
For the GAD group, your score on the GAD-7 self-report scale should be 10 or higher, and your score on the PCL-5 checklist should be less than 33.
Healthy participants should have low scores on the GAD-7 and PCL-5 questionnaires.
I am healthy with no obvious heart, lung, or metabolic diseases.
+1 more
Exclusion Criteria
Limited English proficiency
You are using illegal drugs or drinking too much alcohol.
I have recently quit smoking.
+3 more
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
2-4 weeks
Initial Testing
Participants undergo initial testing to familiarize with study equipment and procedures, determine body measures, maximum strength, and require one blood draw
1 day
1 visit (in-person)
Testing Sessions
Participants undergo multiple tests to determine blood vessel health, including antioxidant or placebo administration
2 days
2 visits (in-person)
Exercise Training
Participants engage in 10 weeks of resistance training for muscular fitness or strength
10 weeks
3-5 days per week
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in vascular function from baseline to the end of the final visit
2 weeks
Participant Groups
The study is testing the effects of two types of exercise training—muscular fitness and strength training—on blood vessel function in both healthy participants and those with PTSD or GAD.
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Muscular fitnessExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants will complete study 1 (HM20020955-1) and then 10 weeks of resistance training for muscular fitness
Group II: Muscular StrengthExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants will complete study 1 (HM20020955-1) and then 10 weeks of resistance training for muscular strength
Find a Clinic Near You
Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond, VA
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityLead Sponsor
References
The value of exercise on a psychiatric hospital unit. [2019]A number of reports in the literature have shown the value of exercise programs in reducing depression among psychiatric patients. Most of these papers have dealt with outpatients; this paper recounts a study of hospitalized inpatients who elected to participate in a six-week exercise program. After six weeks, participants showed significant decreases in their levels of reported depression, and nonsignificant trends toward a decrease in anxiety and an increase in their sense of accomplishment. The program did not ameliorate many disturbing feelings such as anger and fear, nor did it elicit a wide range of positive affects such as cooperation and feelings of acceptance. However, the authors conclude that a well-designed exercise program has enough potential benefit to make it a regular part of a psychiatric inpatient program.
[Schizophrenia spectrum disorders and physical exercise]. [2021]Recent research data points to the beneficial role of physical exercise in mental health. Long-term physical activity may promote neurogenesis and angiogenesis in people with mental illnesses improving their cognitive functions and overall functionality. In many cases, it is strongly recommended to include physical exercise in the therapeutic planning for people with mental illnesses, including schizophrenia. The purpose of this review is to study current research data on the effect of physical exercise on the symptomatology of the first-episode psychosis and schizophrenia as well as to search for any physical exercise programs suitable for the mentally ill. International literature as well as Greek online publications were searched. The search language was English and the search terms were: "schizophrenia", "first episode psychosis", "physical exercise". A study of the literature suggests that physical exercise offers multiple benefits to people with severe mental illness, such as weight control, improved cardiovascular health, preventing metabolic disorders -with the positive implications of the above in relation to receiving antipsychotic treatment- and improving the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, cognitive functioning and global functioning by activating the neuroplasticity of the brain. However, starting and engaging in physical activity programs faces many obstacles for the population under study. It appears that when the physical activity programs offered give participants both pleasure and satisfaction, promote personal choice of physical activity and the opportunity for group interaction during the process, then the likelihood of commitment to them is maximized. The crucial importance of a stable social-supportive environment for the success of intervention programs is mentioned. In addition, there is a need to develop ways of linking mental health services with community physical training centres and incorporating specialized professional coaches into these services. Moreover, this area of research needs further clinical studies to develop more effective training programs that overcome the lack of motivation experienced by people with severe mental illness. Installing treadmills in mental health centres, establishing partnerships with specialized coaches or community training centres and identifying individuals who may benefit from physical exercise programs are some of the first steps addressing the matter of functional recovery from first-episode psychosis and schizophrenia.
Strength training restores force-generating capacity in patients with schizophrenia. [2021]Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders have impaired skeletal muscle force-generating capacity (FGC) of the lower extremities, that is, one repetition maximum (1RM) and rapid force development, and poor functional performance. We therefore investigated whether 12 weeks of maximal strength training (MST) could (a) restore FGC and functional performance to the level of healthy references, (b) increase patient activation and quality of life, and (c) explore associations between symptom severity, defined daily dose of medication, illness duration, level of patient activation, and improvements in FGC and functional performance. Forty-eight outpatients were randomized to a training group (TG) or control group (CG). TG performed leg press MST 2 day/week at ~ 90% 1RM. The CG received two introductory training sessions and encouragement to train independently. Leg press 1RM, rapid force development, a battery of functional performance tests, Patient Activation Measure-13, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey were tested. Healthy references performed baseline tests of FGC and functional performance. Thirty-six patients completed the study (TG: 17, CG: 19). TG improved 1RM (28%) and rapid force development (20%, both P
[Physical training as a therapeutic method in depression]. [2008]For 15 years physical fitness training has been an integrated part of a comprehensive inpatient treatment programme for depression. At admission patients are less physically fit than the average population. Training three times a week for six to nine weeks is associated with significant increase in fitness and reduction in depression scores. More than half of the patients continue regular exercise one year after discharge. Retrospectively, patients rank physical fitness training as one of the most valuable elements in the treatment programme. The article describes practical experiences from exercise at the institution. There were no serious complications. A motivated staff is the most important factor in motivating the patients. Physical fitness training is a valuable element in a comprehensive treatment programme for depression.
Physical fitness program for patients with psychiatric disorders. A clinical report. [2019]The current practice of physical therapy rarely addresses the needs of patients with psychiatric disorders. The literature has shown that physical and psychological health are related intimately. This article describes a physical fitness training program designed for inpatients with mental illness in an acute care hospital setting. A training program consisting of group exercise sessions conducted three times a week for six weeks may enhance the patients' self-esteem and body image in a unique way. Physical therapy intervention should be broadened to address the special needs of the mentally disabled.
Effects of Aerobic, Resistance, and Combined Exercise Training on Psychiatric Symptom Severity and Related Health Measures in Adults Living With Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. [2022]Previous research has demonstrated the efficacy, effectiveness, and safety of exercise training in persons living with schizophrenia. However, the optimal exercise training program remains unclear. The aim of this paper was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of aerobic, resistance, and combined aerobic and resistance training on health-related physical fitness and positive and negative symptoms in persons living with schizophrenia. Six electronic databases were searched systematically from their inception to December 2020 [MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL)] to identify literature examining the effects of exercise training on psychiatric symptoms and health-related physical fitness indicators in persons living with schizophrenia. A total of 22 studies (n = 913) were included in this review, and 12 studies (n = 554) included within the meta-analysis reported the effects of exercise training (aerobic, resistance, and combined aerobic and resistance) in persons living with schizophrenia. Aerobic training had a significant decrease on Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) negative scores (ES -2.28, 95% CI -3.57 to -1.00; p = 0.0005) and PANSS general scores (ES -2.51, 95% CI -3.47 to -1.55; p < 0.00001). Resistance training did not lead to significant effects on PANSS total scores. Combined aerobic and resistance training did not lead to significant changes in body mass index, PANSS positive scores, or PANSS total scores. However, grouping together the results from all exercise training modalities (including aerobic training, resistance training, and combined aerobic and resistance training) revealed significant effects on body mass index (ES 1.86, 95% CI 0.84 to 2.88; p = 0.0003), maximal/peak oxygen consumption (ES 2.54, 95% CI 1.47 to 3.62; p = < 0.00001), body weight (ES 6.58, 95% CI 2.94 to 10.22; p = 0.0004), PANSS negative scores (ES -1.90, 95% CI -2.70 to -1.10; p < 0.00001), and Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) total (ES -14.90, 95% CI -22.07 to -7.74; p < 0.0001). Collectively, these findings support the importance of exercise participation (aerobic and resistance training) in persons living with schizophrenia.
Effect of Online Home-Based Resistance Exercise Training on Physical Fitness, Depression, Stress, and Well-Being in Middle-Aged Persons: A Pilot Study. [2023]Label="PURPOSE">This study investigated the effect of online home-based resistance exercise training on fitness, depression, stress, and well-being. A total of 67 individuals participated. Of them, 28 participants (13 men and 15 women, average age: 45.1 ± 12.2 years) performed the same exercise training online (n = 17), using Zoom, or in person (n = 11) in 2020 (Study 1). In addition, 39 participants (15 men and 24 women; average age: 47.6 ± 10.8 years) performed eight weeks of online home-based resistance exercise training in 2021 (Study 2). The participants performed low-load resistance exercises twice a week for eight weeks (16 sessions). Muscle strength, thigh muscle cross-sectional area, fitness parameters, blood pressure, mental health (Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale-CES-D; and Kessler Psychological Distress scale-K6), and well-being (Well-Being Index-WHO-5) were measured pre-and post-resistance training. In Study 1, eight weeks of online home-based resistance training improved CES-D (p = 0.003), and a similar tendency was observed in resistance training (RT) with the in-person group (p = 0.06). There was a significant improvement in CES-D symptoms after the online home-based resistance training in Study 2 (p = 0.009). However, there were no significant changes in the WHO-5 and K6. Our results suggest that online low-load resistance training improves fitness parameters and curbs depressive status.
Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Metabolic Syndrome, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Symptoms in Schizophrenia Include Decreased Mortality. [2020]Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder with a lifetime prevalence of about 1%. People with schizophrenia have a 4-fold higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome than the general population, mainly because of antipsychotic treatment but perhaps also because of decreased physical activity. Metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and the risk of these diseases is 2- to 3-fold higher in schizophrenia patients than in the general population. The suicide risk is also higher in schizophrenia, partly as a result of depression, positive, and cognitive symptoms of the disease. The higher suicide rate and higher rate of cardiac mortality, a consequence of the increased prevalance of cardiovascular diseases, contribute to the reduced life expectancy, which is up to 20 years lower than in the general population. Regular physical activity, especially in combination with psychosocial and dietary interventions, can improve parameters of the metabolic syndrome and cardiorespiratory fitness. Furthermore, aerobic exercise has been shown to improve cognitive deficits; total symptom severity, including positive and negative symptoms; depression; quality of life; and global functioning. High-intensity interval endurance training is a feasible and effective way to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and metabolic parameters and has been established as such in somatic disorders. It may have more beneficial effects on the metabolic state than more moderate and continuous endurance training methods, but to date it has not been investigated in schizophrenia patients in controlled, randomized trials. This review discusses physical training methods to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and reduce metabolic syndrome risk factors and symptoms in schizophrenia patients. The results of studies and future high-quality clinical trials are expected to lead to the development of an evidence-based physical training program for patients that includes practical recommendations, such as the optimal length and type of aerobic exercise programs and the ideal combination of exercise, psychoeducation, and individual weight management sessions.
A small group aerobic exercise programme that reduces body weight is feasible in adults with severe chronic schizophrenia: a pilot study. [2011]To evaluate the feasibility and effects of an exercise programme on people with severe, chronic schizophrenia.
Prescription of resistance training for healthy populations. [2018]Although there are well documented protective health benefits conferred by regular physical activity, most individuals of all ages are not physically active at a level for sufficient maintenance of health. Consequently, a major public health goal is to improve the collective health and fitness levels of all individuals. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and other international organisations have established guidelines for comprehensive exercise programmes composed of aerobic, flexibility and resistance-exercise training. Resistance training is the most effective method available for maintaining and increasing lean body mass and improving muscular strength and endurance. Furthermore, there is an increasing amount of evidence suggesting that resistance training may significantly improve many health factors associated with the prevention of chronic diseases. These health benefits can be safely obtained by most segments of the population when prescribed appropriate resistance-exercise programmes. Resistance-training programmes should be tailored to meet the needs and goals of the individual and should incorporate a variety of exercises performed at a sufficient intensity to enhance the development and maintenance of muscular strength and endurance, and lean body mass. A minimum of 1 set of 8 to 10 exercises (multi-joint and single joint) that involve the major muscle groups should be performed 2 to 3 times a week for healthy participants of all ages. More technical and advanced training including periodised multiple set regimens and/or advanced exercises may be more appropriate for individuals whose goals include maximum gains in strength and lean body mass. However, the existing literature supports the guidelines as outlined in this paper for children and adults of all ages seeking the health and fitness benefits associated with resistance training.
Twelve-Weeks of Bench-Step Exercise Training Ameliorates Cardiopulmonary Fitness and Mood State in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Pilot Study. [2021]Background and objectives: Unhealthy, physically inactive lifestyles increase the risk of future cardiovascular events and impaired physical fitness in individuals with schizophrenia. Insufficient literature exists to provide fundamental information about appropriate exercise training modality for this population. This pilot study preliminarily investigated the effects of a 12-week moderate-intensity bench-step exercise training (BSET) program on cardiopulmonary fitness, mood state, and cognition in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with schizophrenia completed this study. The participants were allocated into either bench-step exercise-training (BSET; N = 14) or control (CTRL; N = 14) groups according to their preferences. The BSET group received a 12-week bench-step intervention, whereas the CTRL group did not participate in any training. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), 6-min walk test (6MWD), and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) were assessed at baseline (PRE) and at the end of the intervention (POST) to determine mood state, endurance fitness, and attention, respectively. Results: After a 12-week BSET intervention, the 6MWD was significantly increased in the BSET (p = 0.007) but not in the CTRL (p > 0.05). The participants with BSET intervention showed a significant decrease in BDI-II at the end of the intervention (p = 0.03). However, SDMT scores were not different in both BSET and CTRL (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the 12-week intervention of moderate-intensity bench-step exercise training (frequency: 1 session/week; each session of 30 min; step cadence: 96 beats/min) might effectively enhance cardiopulmonary fitness and mood state in patients with schizophrenia. However, attention did not change after the bench-step exercise intervention.