Exercise as medicine: new trial tests HIIT for mental health recovery

NCT ID NCT06338917

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a 28-week program of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, including high-intensity interval training, can reduce disability and improve thinking in 100 adults with severe mental illness. Participants are outpatients living in the community. The program starts with group HIIT and transitions to individual activity. Results will be compared to usual care.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

moderate-to-vigorous physical activity program (HIIT and VILPA)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a practical, drug-free way to help people with severe mental illness feel better and function more in daily life.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only 100 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Exercise programs can be hard to stick with, and benefits may vary.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Motor Activity psychiatric disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Vic

    Vic, Barcelona, 08500, Spain