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Exercise Training for Blood Vessel Health in Mental Health Disorders

This study is looking at how different types of exercise training affect the health of your blood vessels (vascular function). We are recruiting 360 participants, including healthy individuals and those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). You would participate in one of three exercise programs: Moderate Intensity, Normal Volume; High Intensity, Normal Volume; or Moderate Intensity, High Volume. We will measure your arm and leg blood vessel function at rest and during exercise to see if the training improves these measures. To join, you should be between 18 and 35 years old and generally healthy, with specific scores on mental health questionnaires if you have PTSD or GAD. The study's current status is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study with a planned enrollment of 360 participants. Participants will be assigned to one of three different exercise training programs.
What's involved
You would have five testing sessions and participate in 10 weeks of exercise training, 3-5 days per week. The entire study can be completed in about 14 weeks.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your blood vessel function will be measured from the start of the study until the end of your final visit, which is about 14 weeks.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT04922762

Examining the Impact of Exercise Training on Vascular Dysfunction in Individuals With Mental Health Disorders - Study 2

Recruiting
NAAges 18–35InterventionalBasic science
Virginia Commonwealth University
~360 participants
Updated 2025-11-17 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Moderate Intensity, Normal Volume Exercise TrainingHigh Intensity, Normal Volume Exercise TrainingModerate Intensity, High Volume Exercise Training

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Arm Vascular Function at Rest (Flow Mediated Dilation Test)
Measured over Baseline to the end of the final visit, about 14 weeks
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Peripheral Vascular Diseases

Explore related trials

Cardiovascular DisorderGeneralized Anxiety DisorderPeripheral Vascular DisorderPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states
Virginia1

Study leadership

  • Ryan Garten, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Virginia Commonwealth University

Who to contact

Ryan Garten, PhD
[email protected]
(804) 828-1948
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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

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

What this trial measures

  • Arm Vascular Function at Rest (Flow Mediated Dilation Test)Baseline to the end of the final visit, about 14 weeks

    Change in Brachial Artery Dilation from Baseline Values

  • Leg Vascular Function (Passive Leg Movement Test)Baseline to the end of the final visit, about 14 weeks

    Change in Leg Blood Flow Values from Baseline

  • Arm Vascular Function in Response to Exercise (Handgrip Exercise Test)Baseline to the end of the final visit, about 14 weeks

    Change in Brachial Artery Dilation from Baseline Values