Exercise Training for the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

University of Georgia30 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of 6 weeks of endurance or strength training and a wait list comparison condition on symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Interventions

Strength TrainingOTHER

6 weeks of strength training exercise sessions involving leg press, leg curl, and leg extension exercises twice weekly at an intensity progressing from 50% to 75% of predicted one-repetition maximum across the 6 weeks of the trial.

Endurance TrainingOTHER

Six weeks of lower-body dynamic cycling exercise completed on an electronically-braked cycle ergometer twice weekly. The intervention will be matched to the strength training intervention on total work completed, total time actively engaged in exercise, a focus on leg muscles, and load (intensity) progression across the 6 week training protocol.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 39 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Women aged 18-39 years * Principal diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder according to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria (comorbidities will be acceptable as long as Generalized Anxiety Disorder is the principal diagnosis) Exclusion Criteria: * A score of less than 45 on the Penn State Worry Questionnaire * A score of less than 7 on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder section of the Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire * Expending greater than 250 kilocalories per kilogram body weight per week as measured by a 7-day physical activity recall questionnaire * Engaging in greater than 6 exercise bouts in the month prior to recruitment * Pregnancy * Any medical contraindications (cardiovascular or musculoskeletal) to exercise training according to American College of Sports Medicine guidelines

Locations (1)

The University of Georgia

Athens, Georgia, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Remission as Measured by Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule-Adult Version (ADIS-IV) Severity Ratings

GAD is characterized by persistent excessive or pathologic worry most days for at least 6 months about activities of daily life that is difficult to control and associated with at least 3 of the following symptoms: restlessness, feeling on edge, being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep difficulty. Symptoms are not caused by a substance or disorder, but cause significant distress or functional impairment. Remission was measured using the ADIS-IV from 1-16 days following the 6-week intervention.

Time frame: Pre- and post- 6 week training intervention

Worry Symptoms

Worry symptoms, hallmark symptoms of GAD, were assessed using the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ). The PSWQ is a 16-item self-report questionnaire that measures pathological worry symptoms. Participants rate items from 1 "not at all typical of me" to 5 "very typical of me." Scores range from 16 to 80, with higher scores indicated exacerbated worry symptoms. Symptoms were assessed at baseline and at the beginning of the second weekly session during weeks 2, 4, and 6.

Time frame: Baseline, Week 2, Week 4, Week 6

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.