Study of Brain Biomarkers Related to Exercise Effects in Adults with Anxiety Disorders Ages 18 to 50

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating how exercise affects anxiety by studying specific brain-based biological markers linked to mitochondrial metabolism and inflammation. The study focuses on adults with anxiety disorders, aiming to understand the brain mechanisms behind exercises potential calming effects. The investigation measures brain-derived markers, including acetyl-L-carnitine LAC and interleukin-6 IL-6, using innovative technology that isolates neuronal exosomes. Participants will take part in a 4-week exercise program where they are prescribed 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week to be done at home. The exercise intervention is supported by weekly virtual individual sessions lasting 25 to 45 minutes. These sessions help review progress, plan upcoming exercise, discuss challenges, and provide motivational strategies. Physical activity will be tracked using Fitbit devices to monitor adherence. During the study, participants will complete a variety of assessments including physical activity recalls, anxiety and depression scales, stress and insomnia indexes, and body mass measurements at baseline, mid-point, and end of the 4 weeks. The primary outcomes are levels of LAC and IL-6 measured at week 4. Continuous monitoring of exercise minutes and multiple questionnaires will help evaluate changes in anxiety and related symptoms. The study is led by NYU Langone Health and runs until January 2028.

Biomarkers for Exercise