Level of Physical Activity and Fear Learning

Launched by NYU LANGONE HEALTH · Jan 20, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how physical activity, like exercise, might help people with anxiety disorders learn to manage their fears better. Specifically, it will compare the effects of exercising versus sitting still on a process called "extinction learning," which is how we learn to reduce our fear responses. The study aims to understand the reasons behind this, including feelings, expectations, and stress responses.

To take part in the trial, you need to be between 18 and 60 years old and have a diagnosed anxiety disorder such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or social anxiety disorder. You should also have a high sensitivity to anxiety. However, people with certain conditions, such as active substance abuse, severe mental health issues, or specific medical problems that could make exercise unsafe, won’t be eligible. If you join, you can expect to engage in physical activities and participate in assessments that help researchers learn more about the connection between exercise and anxiety management. Your safety and well-being will be a priority throughout the study.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Males and females ages 18-60
• • A primary diagnosis of a DSM-5 anxiety disorder (generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder)
• • Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 score of ≥23 (i.e., high anxiety sensitivity)
• • Able and willing to provide informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Lifetime Bipolar Disorder or psychosis
• • Past 3 months substance use disorder or eating disorder
• • Current PTSD (past PTSD \> 6 months prior to screening is allowed)
• • High risk for exercise according to the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire and American College of Sports Medicine guidelines with excluded active medical conditions including heart conditions, lung disease, bone/joint problems, or seizures
• • Women who are currently pregnant
• • Acute suicide risk (active suicidal ideation with plan and intent) as indicated by a score of ≥4 on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
• • Benzodiazepine use
• • Current substance abuse or positive urine toxicology screen (recreational use of marijuana is permitted based on clinical assessment on the MINI structured diagnostic interview that it does not meet criteria for cannabis use disorder)
• • Stable psychiatric medications for at least 4 weeks prior to experimental procedures