Examining Novel Biomarkers of Neuroplasticity Associated With Exercise in Adults With Anxiety Disorders
Trial Snapshot
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Status
- Not yet recruiting
- Sponsor
- NYU Langone Health
- Enrollment
- 30
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Acetyl-L-carnitine (LAC) Levels
Study Overview
Brief Summary
The overarching objective is to examine the brain-based biological mechanistic pathway by which exercise exerts anxiolytic effects. The investigators will measure brain-derived markers of mitochondrial metabolism (acetyl-L-carnitine [LAC]) and inflammation (interleukin-6 [IL-6]) using innovative technology to isolate neuronal exosomes.
Study Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Non Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel
- Primary Purpose
- Basic Science
- Masking
- Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility Criteria
- Ages
- 18 Years to 50 Years (Adult)
- Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- •For both participant groups: To be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria:
- •Between 18-50 years of age
- •Currently sedentary (≤60 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week for the past 3 months)
- •Capable and willing to provide informed consent
- •For anxiety disorder participant group, an individual must also meet:
- •Primary psychiatric diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder
Exclusion Criteria
- •Lifetime history of Bipolar I or II or any psychotic disorder
- •Bulimia or anorexia in the past 3 months
- •Alcohol or substance use disorder in the past 3 months
- •Current major depressive disorder (past is allowed)
- •Current neurologic disorder
- •High current 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) consistent with a need for referral to higher level of care
- •Participation in concurrent evidence-based therapy (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy) targeting anxiety and/or depression (supportive therapy and couples therapy are allowed)
- •Risk for exercise according to the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire with excluded active medical conditions including heart conditions, lung disease, bone/joint problems, or seizures
- •Women who are currently pregnant or plan to become pregnant during the duration of the study
- •current psychiatric medication
- •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)
- •Active infection
- •Non-psychiatric controls who meet the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:
- •Current psychiatric condition assessed by the MINI
Arms & Interventions
Individuals with Anxiety Disorder
All participants will complete the 4-week exercise intervention in which they'll be prescribed 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week at home, which will be measured using Fitbits.
Intervention: Exercise Intervention (Behavioral)
Control Individuals
All participants will complete the 4-week exercise intervention in which they'll be prescribed 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week at home, which will be measured using Fitbits.
Intervention: Exercise Intervention (Behavioral)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Acetyl-L-carnitine (LAC) Levels
Time Frame: Week 4
Levels of LAC isolated from neuronal exosomes from plasma blood draws.
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Levels
Time Frame: Week 4
Levels of IL-6 isolated from neuronal exosomes from plasma blood draws.
Secondary Outcomes
- Continuously measured moderate/vigorous minutes of exercise(Up to Week 4)
- 7-Day Physical Activity Recall(Baseline, Week 2, Week 4)
- Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS)(Baseline, Week 2, Week 4)
- Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI-3) Score(Baseline, Week 2, Week 4)
- Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS) Score(Baseline, Week 2, Week 4)
- Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) Score(Baseline, Week 2, Week 4)
- Childhood Trauma Questionnaire(Baseline, Week 2, Week 4)
- Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) Score(Baseline, Week 2, Week 4)
- International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) Score(Baseline, Week 2, Week 4)
- Body Mass Index (BMI)(Baseline, Week 2, Week 4)
