RecruitingNot Applicable

Aerobic Exercise and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms

United States50 participantsStarted 2026-02-16

Plain-language summary

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.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 64 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * 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. Exclusion Criteria: * 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

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Cognitive flexibility will be assessed using a probabilistic reversal learning (PRL) task called the Lucky Picture Selection Game.

Timeframe: Cognitive flexibility will be initially measured on day 1. Follow-up administrations will be completed 7-10 days later after the exercise intervention during session 2.

Symptom reactivity will be assessed using the Braga Obsessive Compulsive Symptom Image Set (BOCI).

Timeframe: Symptom reactivity will be initially measured on day 1. Follow-up administrations will be completed 7-10 days later after the exercise intervention during session 2.

Exercise intensity will be measured using a PolarTech chest-strap HR monitor.

Timeframe: Exercise intensity will be measured during 7-10 days after baseline, during session 2.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07103902

SponsorYale University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-09-01

Contact for this trial

Emily Weiss, PhD

203-858-1225 emily.weiss@yale.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) trials