Effect of Moderate-Intensity Exercise on OCD Symptoms and Cognitive Flexibility

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder will be randomized to either moderate- or low-intensity exercise and will undergo cognitive tasks and symptom measures before and after a short exercise session. The trial assesses acute changes in subjective distress, compulsive urges, and cognitive flexibility following the intervention. Participants complete diagnostic interviews, self-report surveys, and cognitive tests across two lab visits, with randomization stratified by sex and age. The study uses a single-visit intervention protocol to compare immediate effects of exercise intensity on OCD-related outcomes. Sixty participants were planned to be screened and fifty randomized to arm allocation.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults, age 18 to 64 years
* Meet diagnostic criteria for OCD (per the DIAMOND)
* Stable psychiatric or medication treatment (if ≥4-weeks), or if no active treatment. Psychotropic medications will be reviewed with the study psychiatrist on a case by case basis.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active or unmanaged psychotic disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, bipolar disorder, current substance use disorder (moderate-to-severe), or high risk for suicide (defined as attempt, plan, or intent within past 3 months)
* Documented motor impairments and medical condition(s) that prohibit physical exercise
* Those who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant

Where it's running

• Temple Medical Center
  New Haven, Connecticut, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Thomas Adams — Yale University
• Study coordinator: Emily Weiss, PhD
• Email: emily.weiss@yale.edu
• Phone: 203-858-1225

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.