Actively Recruiting
Brain Health and Exercise in Schizophrenia
Led by BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Institute · Updated on 2023-06-08
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
804 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
B
BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Institute
Lead Sponsor
U
University of British Columbia
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
To determine the effects of aerobic exercise on hippocampal volumes and severity of psychotic symptoms in a population of psychosis patients compared to healthy age/gender matched volunteers. Psychosis patients often suffer from a number of cognitive difficulties, including poor memory function, poor problem-solving capacity and difficulties with attention and concentration. Poor fitness and associated neurovascular deficits may arise from various sources, including poor mental health, adverse side effects of antipsychotic medications and independent cardiovascular deficits that may be due to neurodevelopmental abnormalities in patients with schizophrenia. These factors are likely contributing to markedly increased stroke risk and early mortality. These problems are not well addressed by current clinical treatments, nor is neurovascular stroke risk readily or accurately detected in clinic.In contrast, evidence from aging research strongly suggests that increased cardiovascular fitness may provide numerous cognitive benefits by promoting brain growth, particularly in the frontal lobes and the hippocampi, while reducing the risk of stroke. The current study will measure the effects of aerobic exercise on brain volumes in a population of chronic psychosis patients to determine if 1) hippocampal volumes increase in response to exercise and 2) if parallel improvements in cognitive functioning occur. Additionally, baseline and follow-up stroke risk will be assessed using a novel non-invasive approach of retinal imaging to determine the presence of underlying neurovascular pathology.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Brain Health and Exercise in Schizophrenia
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 to 45 years
- Able to provide written, informed consent in English
- Patients may be on prescribed medications
- DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
- Normal visual acuity (or normal visual acuity achievable with corrective lenses)
- Physical ability to be engaged in a regular exercise program
You will not qualify if you...
- History of organic disorders such as dementia, severe head injury, autism, mental retardation, or Down's Syndrome
- Current DSM-IV diagnosis of substance dependence during the prior 12 months (excluding tobacco)
- Any history of other DSM-IV Axis I psychiatric disorders
- History of angina, heart attack, or transient ischemic attacks
- Non-independent mobility or limb prostheses
- History of severe head injury causing loss of consciousness for more than 5 minutes
- Contraindications for neuroimaging including metal implants, non-removable orthodontic devices, severe claustrophobia, pregnancy, or recent surgeries within 6 months
- Currently enrolled in a regular exercise program
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
UBC Hospital
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6T 1Z3
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
D
Donna J Lang, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
0
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