Effects of exercise on patients with borderline personality disorder

Acute Effects of Physical Exercise in Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Bonn · NCT05246527

This study tests how one session of different levels of exercise can help people with borderline personality disorder manage stress and improve their thinking and emotions.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Bonn Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia)
Trial IDNCT05246527 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project investigates how a single session of physical exercise impacts stress regulation, cognitive and emotional functioning in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The study aims to determine the optimal intensity of exercise (moderate vs. high) and assess changes in behavioral measures and biomarkers through saliva and blood samples. By exploring the relationship between acute exercise and BPD symptoms, the researchers hope to provide insights into non-pharmacological treatment options for this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder who have a verbal IQ above 80.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological disorders, severe health conditions, or other psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a new, effective non-drug intervention for managing symptoms of borderline personality disorder.

How similar studies have performed: While previous studies suggest a positive influence of physical exercise on BPD symptoms, this specific investigation into acute exercise effects is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* estimated verbal intelligence quotient \>80 (MWT-B; Lehrl 2005)
* patients: diagnosis of borderline personality disorder according to DSM-5

Exclusion Criteria:

* neurological disorders
* health conditions interfering with exercise safety, e.g. coronary heart disease
* visual impairments that may interfere with performance of the cognitive tasks
* endocrine disorders, e.g. hyperthyreosis or diabetes mellitus;
* following psychiatric disorders: psychosis or affective disorders with psychotic symptoms, schizophrenia, substance abuse or dependence, autism spectrum disorders, anorexia nervosa;
* healthy controls: BPD, intake of psychotropic drugs

Where this trial is running

Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia

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 Borderline Personality Disorder
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.