Aerobic Exercise and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms
Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms and Cognitive Flexibility
Yale University
50 participants
Feb 16, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
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.
Eligibility
Plain Language Summary
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Interventions
Participants will engage in 20 minutes of cycling at approximately 70% max heart rate with a 2.5 minute warm up and a 2.5 minute cool down.
Participants will engage in 20 minutes of cycling at approximately 40-50% max heart rate with a 2.5 minute warm up and a 2.5 minute cool down.
Locations(1)
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NCT07103902