Using exercise to help adolescents manage fear and anxiety

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates whether moderate intensity exercise can enhance fear regulation in adolescents aged 14-17 by improving brain activity and endocannabinoid signaling. It aims to address the common issue of anxiety disorders that begin during adolescence, which are often linked to difficulties in extinguishing fear responses. By exploring the relationship between exercise and brain function, the study seeks to develop more effective treatments and preventive strategies for at-risk youth. Participants will engage in exercise sessions while their responses are monitored to assess changes in fear regulation.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
2. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and available for the duration of the study
3. 14-17 years of age upon enrollment
4. Right-handed
5. In good general health as evidenced by medical history
6. Adolescent and parent/guardian are English-speaking, as study assessments are in English
7. Availability of a parent or legal guardian who is willing to provide consent and attend all study visits

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Traumatic brain injury with ongoing symptoms
2. Sensory (e.g., hearing) or physical (e.g., motor, balance) impairment or significant developmental delay
3. MRI participants: MRI contraindication (e.g., braces, implants, claustrophobia)
4. Any condition that would contraindicate blood draws (e.g., hemophilia, sickle cell)
5. Past or current diagnosis or presence of likely neurological disorder (e.g., epilepsy), psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder), or bipolar disorder
6. Severe/unstable medical condition (e.g., diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis)
7. Current (past 1-month) use of cannabis or cannabinoid products including CBD unless willing to stop for at least 4 weeks prior to entering the study
8. Currently pregnant, lactating, or positive pregnancy test at screening visit
9. Current homicidal thoughts or suicide attempt in the past year
10. Current suicidal thoughts requiring immediate intervention
11. Concurrent use (past 6 weeks) of oral contraceptives
12. Diagnosed or probable substance use disorder (past 1-month)
13. Positive drug test at baseline visit (e.g., THC, cocaine)
14. Moderate/severe drug or alcohol use in the past 8 weeks
15. Current or recent (past 1-month) COVID-19 diagnosis or febrile illness
16. Treatment with investigational drug or intervention (past 1-month)
17. Current smoker, vaper, or tobacco or nicotine use (past 1-month)
18. Ongoing exposure to abuse

Where it's running

• Tolan Park Medical Building
  Detroit, Michigan, United States Recruiting

Similar studies

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

• See if the Parenting Young Children Check-up helps with behavior in kids ages 2-5

  This trial tests the Parenting Young Children Check-up to see if it improves behavior and reduces parenting stress for families with young children in a Detroit pediatric clinic serving low-income families.

  Recruiting Early Phase 1 Wayne State University · Detroit, Michigan · NCT07750054

• Parenting Young Children Check-up in a Detroit clinic

  This trial tests whether the Parenting Young Children Check-up helps improve behavior, parenting, and stress for parents of 2- to 5-year-olds compared with usual care.

  Recruiting Early Phase 1 Wayne State University · Detroit, Michigan · NCT07734545

• Prenatal choline supplementation to support fetal brain development

  This study tests whether giving pregnant people choline can help their babies' brain development and growth, compared with a placebo, when alcohol exposure is not present.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Wayne State University · Cape Town · NCT07699393

• Using virtual reality to trigger exercise-like responses in sedentary adults

  This study will test whether repeated short VR sessions that mimic exercise can produce exercise-like protein changes and improved endurance in sedentary adults with prediabetes.

  Recruiting Wayne State University · Detroit, Michigan · NCT07296991

• Timing of opioid administration and breathing changes after surgery

  This study watches adults who had general anesthesia and receive opioids after surgery to see if opioid timing and dose affect breathing changes measured by minute ventilation.

  Recruiting Wayne State University · Detroit, Michigan · NCT07227389

• Behavioral Activation delivered by peer recovery specialists in a community clinic

  This project will test whether Behavioral Activation delivered by peer recovery specialists helps adults with depression (and co-occurring substance use disorders) who receive care at a community behavioral health center.

  Recruiting Wayne State University · Detroit, Michigan · NCT07219394

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.