A brief acceptance and mindfulness intervention for exercise in anxiety: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Emily Carl
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 120 |
| Population | Individuals with elevated anxiety symptoms |
| Intervention | mindfulness and acceptance intervention |
| Duration | One week follow-up |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Key findings | Proposes that a single-session mindfulness and acceptance intervention will increase exercise behavior and physical activity among individuals with elevated anxiety symptoms, with anxiety sensitivity as a potential mediator. |
Abstract
Physical exercise shows ameliorative effects on anxiety symptoms. Only about half of individuals in the United States meet recommended physical activity levels, and those with anxiety show even lower levels. One barrier to exercise among individuals with anxiety is anxiety sensitivity, which is the belief that anxiety and sensations that mimic symptoms of anxiety have harmful consequences. This study will test whether a single session of a mindfulness and acceptance intervention can increase exercise behavior and physical activity among individuals with elevated anxiety symptoms. We will randomize 120 individuals to the mindfulness intervention or inactive control condition. An immediate behavioral outcome measured by time exercised in the lab will assess efficacy of mindfulness, as well as physical activity and psychological outcomes one week later. In addition, we will test whether anxiety sensitivity mediates the effect of mindfulness on physical activity. If the mindfulness intervention is effective, it would provide a way to increase the use of exercise as an accessible and effective way to manage elevated anxiety.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on anxiety, most cited first.