Examining the Impact of Exercise Training on Vascular Dysfunction in Individuals With Mental Health Disorders - Study 1

Launched by VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY · Jun 4, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how exercise might help improve blood vessel function in people with mental health disorders, specifically those with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The researchers want to understand how certain substances in the blood, called oxidants, can affect blood vessels in both healthy individuals and those dealing with these mental health issues.

To participate in this study, you need to be between 65 and 74 years old and generally healthy, without major heart, lung, or metabolic diseases. If you have PTSD, you'll need to meet a specific score on a questionnaire, and if you have GAD, you'll also have to meet certain score criteria. Healthy participants must have low scores on the anxiety questionnaires. Participants can expect to engage in exercise training as part of the study, helping researchers learn more about the benefits of exercise for mental health and blood vessel health. It’s important to note that certain conditions and medications may exclude you from participating, so it’s best to check if you meet the criteria before considering joining the trial.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • apparently healthy and free of overt cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic disease
• • for PTSD group, a score of ≥ 33 on PCL-5 checklist
• • for GAD group, a score of ≥ 10 on the GAD-7 self-report scale and \< 33 on the PCL-5 checklist
• • for Healthy Control group, a score of ≤ 10 on the GAD-7 self-report scale and \< 33 on the PCL-5 checklist
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • taking medications that could influence cardiovascular function
• • current smokers who have recently quit smoking
• • illicit drug use or excessive alcohol consumption
• • pregnant women
• • significant calorie restriction or vitamin/mineral deficiencies
• • limited English proficiency