Improving exercise as a treatment for anxiety

Optimizing Exercise for the Treatment of Anxiety

NIH-funded research New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11013890

This study is looking at how to make exercise a better and easier way to help people with anxiety feel better, by figuring out the best types and amounts of exercise to encourage them to stick with it.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York University School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11013890 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to optimize exercise as a treatment for anxiety disorders, focusing on making it more accessible and effective for individuals who struggle with anxiety. The study aims to understand the best ways to prescribe exercise, including the right intensity and progression, to enhance adherence and engagement among patients. By examining the relationship between exercise intensity and anxiety symptoms, the research seeks to develop guidelines that can help individuals with anxiety incorporate exercise into their treatment plans more successfully.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are sedentary adults aged 21 and older who have a primary anxiety disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who are already highly active or do not have an anxiety disorder may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective, and accessible treatment option for individuals suffering from anxiety disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that exercise can be beneficial for anxiety, but this specific approach to optimizing exercise prescriptions is novel.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Anxiety Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.