Actively Recruiting
Improving Cognition Through Telehealth Aerobic Exercise and Cognitive Training After a First Schizophrenia Episode
Led by University of California, Los Angeles · Updated on 2025-01-02
100
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
262 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of California, Los Angeles
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying individuals aged 18 to 45 who have experienced their first episode of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or schizophreniform disorder within the past three years. This trial aims to improve cognitive function by combining neuroplasticity-based cognitive training with aerobic exercise delivered remotely via telehealth. The study also investigates changes in serum mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a biological marker linked to brain plasticity and engagement in aerobic exercise, as well as motivation and participation levels in exercise sessions. Participants will receive cognitive training through telehealth sessions using a computerized program over 12 months. For the first 6 months, training includes 48 hours each of neurocognitive and social cognitive exercises, delivered in group videoconferences twice weekly. Half of the participants will also take part in an aerobic exercise program involving moderate to high intensity group and individual sessions conducted via Zoom, targeting 150 minutes of exercise per week. The other half will join a Healthy Living Group focusing on wellness and recovery discussions. Additional support includes web-based motivational tools, fitness trackers, personalized text reminders, and a bridging group to help apply gains to daily life. Throughout the 12-month study, participants' cognitive performance, serum BDNF levels, and motivation will be assessed at multiple time points up to 6 months. Attendance at exercise sessions will be tracked during the first 3 and 6 months. Researchers will monitor safety and overall engagement remotely, aiming to demonstrate the feasibility of delivering this combined intervention outside traditional research settings. The study's goal is to enhance cognition and daily functioning during the critical early phase after a first psychotic episode.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Improving Cognition Through Telehealth Aerobic Exercise and Cognitive Training After a First Schizophrenia Episode
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Experienced a first episode of psychotic illness within the past three years
- Diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or schizophreniform disorder by DSM-5
- Between 18 and 45 years old
- Fluent enough in English to complete research measures accurately
- Likely to live within commuting distance of the UCLA Aftercare Research Program
You will not qualify if you...
- Premorbid IQ below 70
- Known neurological disorders such as epilepsy or significant head injury
- Moderate or severe substance use disorder within six months before first episode
- Substance-induced psychosis
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
UCLA Aftercare Research Program
Los Angeles, California, United States, 90095-6968
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Rebecca Zornitsky, MSc
J
Joseph Ventura, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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