Effects of exercise and brain stimulation on anxiety
Official title: Psychobiological Responses Following Exercise and Brain Stimulation
Run by Virginia Commonwealth University · NCT06874595 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether combining cycling exercise with a special brain stimulation can help reduce anxiety in healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 29 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Virginia Commonwealth University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Richmond, Virginia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 19, 2025 |
| Main results expected | February 2027 |
| Study ends | February 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06874595 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 18 to 50 who do not have any neurological or psychiatric disorders.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with neurological or psychiatric disorders, those taking CNS-affecting medications, or pregnant women may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the combined effects of cycling exercise and high-density transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) on anxiety levels in healthy adults. Participants will engage in cycling at a moderate intensity followed by either HD-tDCS or sham stimulation, with the aim of determining the efficacy of this combined approach in alleviating anxiety symptoms. The study will utilize validated anxiety assessment tools to measure outcomes and explore the neurophysiological responses associated with the interventions. By employing a precise HD-tDCS technique, the study aims to enhance the effectiveness of brain stimulation in conjunction with physical exercise.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel, non-invasive treatment option for individuals suffering from anxiety disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While studies on tDCS have shown mixed results, the combination of exercise and HD-tDCS is a relatively novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy adults * aged 18 to 50 * consent and complete a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) * be free from any neurological or psychiatric disorder * not be taking any medication that could affect the central nervous system * not have any contraindication for HD-tDCS (i.e. not having metal implanted in the head, pacemaker, medical bumps, seizures, lesions on the scalp or head ) or for bioelectrical impedance (i.e., electronic medical implant, such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator, and limb amputation) * not be regular users of tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco) * not consume an average of more than ten alcoholic beverages per week Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals who do not meet the PAR-Q screening criteria for participation in moderate physical activity will be excluded from participating in this study * women who are pregnant will be exclude from this study
Where it's running
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Edmund Acevedo — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Edmund Acevedo
- Email: eoacevedo@vcu.edu
- Phone: (804) 814-4355
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.