Aerobic Exercise and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms
Recruiting now · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
In brief
The purpose of this study is to examine the acute effects of exercise on cognitive flexibility and symptom reactivity. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does moderate intensity physical activity reduce subjective distress, compulsive urges, and intrusions- and increase cognitive flexibility- in adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder compared to low-intensity physical activity? Researchers will compare low- to moderate-intensity exercise to see if moderate physical activity increases cognitive flexibility and reduces symptom reactivity in adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Participants will: Complete self-report surveys, psychiatric interviews, and cognitive tasks. Be assigned to either a low- or moderate-intensity exercise condition and complete physical activity. Repeat cognitive and symptom measures following the exercise intervention.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT07103902
- Run by
- Yale University
- People needed
- 50
- Starts
- 2026-02-16
- Expected to finish
- 2026-09-01
- Last updated by the study team
- 2026-07-02
Who can join
Age: 18 and older, up to 64. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Adults, age 18 to 64 years
- Meet diagnostic criteria for OCD (per the DIAMOND)
- Stable psychiatric or medication treatment (if ≥4-weeks), or if no active treatment. Psychotropic medications will be reviewed with the study psychiatrist on a case by case basis.
You may not qualify if…
- Active or unmanaged psychotic disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, bipolar disorder, current substance use disorder (moderate-to-severe), or high risk for suicide (defined as attempt, plan, or intent within past 3 months)
- Documented motor impairments and medical condition(s) that prohibit physical exercise
- Those who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
Where it is running
- Temple Medical Center — New Haven, Connecticut, United States (enrolling)
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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