Actively Recruiting
Examining Novel Biomarkers of Neuroplasticity Associated With Exercise in Adults With Anxiety Disorders
Led by NYU Langone Health · Updated on 2026-03-31
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
23 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
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 exercise's 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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Biomarkers for Exercise
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Between 18 and 50 years of age
- Currently sedentary with 60 minutes or less of moderate intensity exercise per week for the past 3 months
- Capable and willing to provide informed consent
- For anxiety disorder group: diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder
You will not qualify if you...
- Lifetime history of Bipolar I or II or any psychotic disorder
- Bulimia or anorexia in the past 3 months
- Alcohol or substance use disorder in the past 3 months
- Current major depressive disorder
- Current neurologic disorder
- High current suicide risk as indicated by a score of 4 or more on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale
- Participation in concurrent evidence-based therapy targeting anxiety or depression
- Medical conditions that increase risk for exercise, including heart, lung, bone/joint problems, or seizures
- Women currently pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study
- Current psychiatric medication use
- Current substance abuse or positive urine toxicology (except recreational marijuana use without cannabis use disorder)
- Active infection
- Non-psychiatric controls with current psychiatric condition assessed by MINI
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or virtual) for eligibility assessment
Duration - 4 weeks
Participants complete a 4-week exercise intervention with weekly individual virtual sessions to review and plan exercise routines. They are prescribed 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week to be completed at home, monitored using Fitbits.
Weekly virtual sessions (4 visits total)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
NYU Langone Health
New York, New York, United States, 10016
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
K
Kristin Szuhany, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here