Effects of exercise on brain health in schizophrenia
Brain Health: Effects of Exercise on Hippocampal Volume and Memory Deficits in Persons With Schizophrenia
This study is testing if doing aerobic exercise can improve brain health and reduce symptoms in people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Institute Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT01392885 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the impact of aerobic exercise on hippocampal volumes and the severity of psychotic symptoms in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Participants, including both patients and healthy volunteers, will be randomly assigned to either an aerobic or resistance exercise program over a 12-week period. Throughout the study, participants will continue their prescribed medications, and various clinical data will be collected to assess changes in fitness and neuroplasticity. The research will be conducted at UBC Hospital and exercise facilities at the University of British Columbia, with trained assistants monitoring the exercise sessions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18 to 45 with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who can engage in a regular exercise program.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of severe organic disorders, substance dependence, or other psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve cognitive function and reduce psychotic symptoms in patients with schizophrenia through enhanced physical fitness.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results regarding the benefits of exercise on mental health, particularly in improving cognitive function in psychiatric populations.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 to 45 years * Able to provide written, informed consent in English * Patients may be on prescribed medications * DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder * Normal visual acuity (or normal visual acuity achievable with corrective lenses) * Physical ability to be engaged in a regular exercise program Exclusion Criteria: * A history of organic disorders (dementia, severe head injury, or developmental disorders such as autism, mental retardation, Down's Syndrome) * A current DSM-IV diagnosis of substance dependence (during prior 12 months, excluding tobacco) * Any history of DSM-IV diagnoses (Axis I) for other psychiatric disorders * History of angina, heart attack or transient ischemic attacks * Non-independent mobility or limb prostheses * A history of severe head injury leading to loss of consciousness for \> 5 minutes * Contra-indications for neuroimaging (metal implants, non-removable orthodontic devices, severe claustrophobia, pregnancy, or surgeries within the previous 6 months) * Currently already enrolled in a regular exercise program
Where this trial is running
Vancouver, British Columbia
- UBC Hospital — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Donna J Lang, PhD — University of British Columbia, Dept. of Radiology
- Study coordinator: Donna J Lang, PhD
- Email: donna.lang@ubc.ca
- Phone: 604-875-2000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.