Effects of exercise on brain responses in people with schizophrenia

Neuronal Effects of Exercise in Schizophrenia

Not applicable Interventional University of Colorado, Denver · NCT02455193

This study is testing how exercise and diet can change brain responses to food in people with schizophrenia who are also taking medications that may cause weight gain.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Colorado, Denver Academic / other
Locations1 site (Aurora, Colorado)
Trial IDNCT02455193 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to investigate how medications commonly prescribed for schizophrenia affect weight gain and how exercise and diet influence appetite and brain responses to food. Participants will have their brain activity monitored in response to food images while also providing information about their food preferences and intake. Additionally, the study may involve an exercise or diet intervention to assess changes in brain responses and food preferences. The goal is to better understand the relationship between these factors and schizophrenia symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 21 to 70 diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who are stable in weight and currently prescribed specific antipsychotic medications.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have substance abuse issues, or significant endocrine/metabolic diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management of weight gain and dietary habits in patients with schizophrenia.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, there is existing research indicating that exercise and diet can positively impact mental health outcomes in similar populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
* Between 21 and 70 years of age
* Currently prescribed either olanzapine, risperidone, clozapine, or haloperidol, OR not currently being treated with any neuroleptic medications
* Weight stable within 5 percent for the last 6 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy
* Substance abuse
* Significant endocrine/metabolic disease (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, severe hypertriglyceridemia)
* MRI-specific exclusion criteria (e.g., claustrophobia, metal in the body)

Where this trial is running

Aurora, Colorado

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Schizophrenia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.