Using exercise to help adolescents manage fear and anxiety

Exercise Facilitation of Adolescent Fear Extinction, Frontolimbic Circuitry, and Endocannabinoids

This study is testing if moderate exercise can help teenagers aged 14-17 manage their fear and anxiety better by improving how their brains work.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 174 (estimated)
• Ages: 14 Years to 17 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Wayne State University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Detroit, Michigan)
• Trial ID: NCT06297278 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are English-speaking adolescents aged 14-17 who are in good general health and willing to participate with parental consent.

Not a fit: Patients with ongoing neurological disorders, significant sensory or physical impairments, or contraindications for exercise may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved therapeutic options for adolescents struggling with anxiety disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using exercise as a therapeutic intervention for anxiety, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Detroit, Michigan

• Tolan Park Medical Building — Detroit, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)

Conditions Adolescence; anxiety; exercise; fear