Investigating how exercise affects fear learning in people with anxiety disorders
The Role of Exercise in the Consolidation of Fear Extinction Learning in Adults With High Anxiety Sensitivity
This study is testing whether doing moderate exercise can help adults with anxiety learn to overcome their fears better than just sitting around.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NYU Langone Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT05203731 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This experimental study aims to explore the impact of acute exercise compared to sitting on fear extinction learning in adults with high anxiety sensitivity and anxiety disorders. Over two days, 50 participants aged 18-60 will be randomly assigned to either a moderate intensity exercise group or a sitting group following an emotional learning task. The study will measure physiological responses such as skin conductance and heart rate, as well as various mechanistic factors including stress-related neuroendocrine markers. The goal is to understand how these conditions influence the consolidation of fear extinction learning.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-60 with a primary diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder and high anxiety sensitivity.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of bipolar disorder, psychosis, current PTSD, or significant medical conditions that contraindicate exercise may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into non-pharmacological interventions for enhancing fear extinction in individuals with anxiety disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, previous research has indicated that exercise can positively influence anxiety symptoms and learning processes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Males and females ages 18-60 * A primary diagnosis of a DSM-5 anxiety disorder (generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder) * Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 score of ≥23 (i.e., high anxiety sensitivity) * Able and willing to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Lifetime Bipolar Disorder or psychosis * Past 3 months substance use disorder or eating disorder * Current PTSD (past PTSD \> 6 months prior to screening is allowed) * High risk for exercise according to the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire and American College of Sports Medicine guidelines with excluded active medical conditions including heart conditions, lung disease, bone/joint problems, or seizures * Women who are currently pregnant * Acute suicide risk (active suicidal ideation with plan and intent) as indicated by a score of ≥4 on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) * Benzodiazepine use * Current substance abuse or positive urine toxicology screen (recreational use of marijuana is permitted based on clinical assessment on the MINI structured diagnostic interview that it does not meet criteria for cannabis use disorder) * Stable psychiatric medications for at least 4 weeks prior to experimental procedures
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- NYU Langone Health — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kristin Szuhany, MD — NYU Langone Health
- Study coordinator: Kristin Szuhany, PhD
- Email: Kristin.szuhany@nyulangone.org
- Phone: 646-754-5161
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.