Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Effectiveness of Exercise Alone and tDCS+Exercise on Cognitive Function Improvement in Patients With Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia

Hong Kong160 participantsStarted 2026-02-23

Plain-language summary

Cognitive impairment is a major determinant of disability in schizophrenia. Aerobic exercise improves global cognition in schizophrenia, particularly working memory and attention/vigilance. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting frontal regions has shown promise for cognitive deficits, including working memory improvements in some studies. This randomized 2×2 factorial trial will test the independent and combined effects of supervised aerobic exercise and prefrontal tDCS on cognition in treatment resistant schizophrenia, measured using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB).

Who can participate

Age range18 Years – 60 Years

SexALL

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: * DSM 5 schizophrenia-spectrum disorders * Treatment resistant schizophrenia: inadequate response to ≥2 antipsychotics of adequate dose/duration * Clinically stable ≥4 weeks * Able to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Neurological disorder (e.g., epilepsy, stroke) or significant head injury * Implanted electronic devices / contraindications to tDCS; scalp lesions at electrode sites * Medical contraindications to moderate aerobic exercise * Substance dependence within 3 months (except nicotine) * Pregnancy

What they're measuring

MCCB Overall Composite T score change from baseline (Week 0) to end of intervention (Week 6).

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07404319

SponsorKit Wa Chan

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2028-01-30

Contact for this trial

Kit Wa Chan, MD

852-22554489 kwsherry@hku.hk

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Schizophrenia trials