Examining how exercise affects blood vessel function in people with mental health disorders
Official title: Examining the Impact of Exercise Training on Vascular Dysfunction in Individuals With Mental Health Disorders - Study 2
Run by Virginia Commonwealth University · NCT04922762 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how different types of exercise can improve blood vessel health in people with mental health disorders like PTSD and anxiety, while also looking at the effects of antioxidant pills.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Virginia Commonwealth University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Richmond, Virginia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 6, 2021 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | November 17, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT04922762 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with PTSD or GAD, as well as healthy individuals without cardiovascular issues.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic diseases, or those on medications affecting cardiovascular function, 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 research investigates the impact of different exercise training regimens on vascular function in individuals with mental health disorders, specifically PTSD and GAD, as well as healthy controls. Participants will undergo a series of testing sessions to assess their vascular health and will be randomly assigned to receive either antioxidant or placebo pills during specific visits. The study includes ten weeks of exercise training with varying intensities and volumes, conducted over five sessions. The goal is to determine how exercise and oxidant levels influence blood vessel health in these populations.
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 gone: Other studies have shown promising results in the relationship between exercise and vascular health, particularly in populations with mental health disorders, suggesting this approach has potential.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ryan Garten, PhD — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Ryan Garten, PhD
- Email: rsgarten@vcu.edu
- Phone: (804) 828-1948
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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.