Actively Recruiting
Examining the Impact of Exercise Training on Vascular Dysfunction in Individuals With Mental Health Disorders - Study 3
Led by Virginia Commonwealth University · Updated on 2026-04-01
240
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This research explores how different types of exercise training affect blood vessel function in healthy adults and those with mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The study aims to understand vascular health changes related to these conditions by comparing the effects of exercise training. It is an interventional study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University, involving randomized groups and multiple testing sessions. Participants undergo a series of five testing sessions spread over about 14 weeks. The first session introduces the study procedures and collects body measurements and blood samples. Two sessions test blood vessel health after participants receive either antioxidant or placebo pills in a randomized order. After these baseline tests, participants complete 10 weeks of resistance training, three to five days per week, in one of two groups: muscular strength training with heavier weights or muscular fitness training with moderate weights. Additional testing before and after the training assesses endurance, strength, and vascular function. During the study, participants will have their blood vessel function measured at rest and in response to exercise using tests such as flow mediated dilation, passive leg movement, and handgrip exercise. They will complete questionnaires assessing mental health symptoms and have strength and endurance evaluated. Researchers monitor changes from the start to the end of the study, which lasts about 14 weeks. Safety and adherence are tracked throughout the trial, with all assessments conducted in a controlled laboratory setting.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Examining the Impact of Exercise Training on Vascular Dysfunction in Individuals With Mental Health Disorders - Study 3
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults aged 18 to 35 years
- Apparently healthy with no known cardiovascular, lung, or metabolic diseases
- For PTSD group, a score of 33 or higher on the PCL-5 checklist
- For GAD group, a score of 10 or higher on the GAD-7 scale and less than 33 on the PCL-5 checklist
- For Healthy Control group, a score of 10 or less on the GAD-7 scale and less than 33 on the PCL-5 checklist
You will not qualify if you...
- Taking medications that affect cardiovascular function
- Current smokers or recent quitters
- Use of illicit drugs or excessive alcohol consumption
- Pregnant women
- Significant calorie restriction or vitamin/mineral deficiencies
- Limited English proficiency
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)
Duration - Up to 14 weeks including all testing visits
Participants complete initial testing sessions involving body measurements, blood draws, and vascular health tests including antioxidant or placebo pill administration to assess blood vessel function.
5 visits lasting between less than 1 hour to 2-3 hours each
Duration - 10 weeks
Participants undergo 10 weeks of resistance training with either a muscular strength or muscular fitness weight lifting program performed 3-5 days per week.
Exercise performed 3-5 days per week
Duration - Within 14 weeks total study duration
Participants complete follow-up testing sessions to assess endurance, strength, and vascular function after exercise training.
2 visits for endurance or strength testing
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23298
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Ryan Garten, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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