Exercise as medicine: study tests whether group workouts boost mental health in hospitalized patients

NCT ID NCT05859204

First seen Jul 13, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study investigates whether adding structured exercise groups to standard care improves mood, anxiety, energy, and sleep in adults hospitalized for psychiatric conditions. Participants take part in a 30-minute exercise session led by an occupational therapist, including warm-up and high-intensity activities. The trial compares outcomes during a period of usual care versus a period when exercise is offered, using surveys to measure changes in depression, anxiety, and sleep quality.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
exercise group led by an occupational therapist
What this could lead to
If effective, this approach could offer a simple, drug-free way to improve mental health and sleep during psychiatric hospitalization.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study with 60 participants, and results may not apply to all psychiatric patients. The exercise intervention may not be feasible or beneficial for everyone.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for DEPRESSION, ANXIETY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder Depression Sedentary Behavior sleep disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21224, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.