Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 35

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

Official title: Examining the Impact of Exercise Training on Vascular Dysfunction in Individuals With Mental Health Disorders - Study 1

Run by Virginia Commonwealth University · NCT04916327 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests how exercise and antioxidant pills can improve blood vessel health in people with mental health disorders like PTSD and GAD, compared to healthy individuals.

More Peripheral Vascular Diseases trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
Enrollment720 (estimated)
SponsorVirginia Commonwealth University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Richmond, Virginia)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 23, 2021
Main results expectedAugust 2027
Study endsAugust 2027
Registry record updatedSeptember 23, 2026
Trial IDNCT04916327 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 controls 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 oxidants on blood vessel function in individuals with mental health disorders, specifically PTSD and GAD, as well as healthy individuals. The study consists of three sessions over two weeks, where participants will undergo various tests to assess their vascular health. In two of the sessions, participants will receive either antioxidant or placebo pills to evaluate the effects on their blood vessels. The goal is to better understand the relationship between mental health and cardiovascular function.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals with mental health disorders by enhancing vascular health.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, previous studies have indicated potential benefits of exercise and antioxidant interventions on vascular health.

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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.