Examining how exercise affects blood vessel function in people with mental health disorders

Examining the Impact of Exercise Training on Vascular Dysfunction in Individuals With Mental Health Disorders - Study 3

NA · Virginia Commonwealth University · NCT04916340

This study is testing how different exercise programs can improve blood vessel health in people with mental health disorders like PTSD and anxiety, as well as in healthy individuals.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorVirginia Commonwealth University (other)
Locations1 site (Richmond, Virginia)
Trial IDNCT04916340 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research examines the impact of different exercise training programs on vascular function in individuals with mental health disorders, specifically PTSD and GAD, as well as healthy individuals. The study involves multiple testing sessions over approximately 14 weeks, including initial assessments of body measures and blood vessel health, followed by a ten-week exercise training program. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either antioxidant or placebo pills during specific testing sessions to evaluate their effects on vascular health. The study aims to understand how exercise and oxidants influence blood vessel function in these populations.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with PTSD or GAD, as well as healthy individuals who meet specific scoring criteria on relevant assessment scales.

Not a fit: Patients with significant cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic diseases, or those taking medications affecting cardiovascular function, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved exercise recommendations for individuals with mental health disorders, enhancing their vascular health and overall well-being.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results regarding the benefits of exercise on vascular health in various populations, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* apparently healthy and free of overt cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic disease
* for PTSD group, a score of ≥ 33 on PCL-5 checklist
* for GAD group, a score of ≥ 10 on the GAD-7 self-report scale and \< 33 on the PCL-5 checklist
* for Healthy Control group, a score of ≤ 10 on the GAD-7 self-report scale and \< 33 on the PCL-5 checklist

Exclusion Criteria:

* taking medications that could influence cardiovascular function
* current smokers who have recently quit smoking
* illicit drug use or excessive alcohol consumption
* pregnant women
* significant calorie restriction or vitamin/mineral deficiencies
* limited English proficiency

Where this trial is running

Richmond, Virginia

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Peripheral Vascular Diseases, cardiovascular disease, vascular function, PTSD, GAD, Oxidant

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.