Aerobic training intervention in panic disorder: a case-series study

Abstract

The anxiolytic effect of regular aerobic exercise in panic disorder patients is well known. However, a protocol for aerobic exercise intervention as an adjunct non-pharmacologic treatment for panic disorder is still lacking. Our aim was to propose and present a pilot study about an aerobic training protocol that could be replicable, safe and viable for other clinical trials with panic disorder patients. METHODS: A total of 24 exercise sessions (twice/week) of treadmill walking at controlled intensity (75% VO 2max) were completed by four panic disorder patients. RESULTS: No major complications were observed. The benefits of the aerobic training intervention were reflected in favorable changes in the Panic and Agoraphobia Scale, the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire, the Anxiety Sensitivity Index and in the Body Sensations Questionnaire scores, in spite of no significant differences in physiological variables. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed protocol of aerobic training intervention was shown to be a safe and potentially useful tool as adjunct non-pharmacologic treatment of panic disorder. Further studies are needed in order to determine whether higher intensities and/or longer exercise interventions would induce physiological benefits while still being feasible and safe.

Influence of Acute Physical Exercise on Cognitive and Motor Behavior in an Experimental Model of Alzheimer's Disease

“…Alzheimer + Swimming exploratory motor behavior was observed after acute physical exercise in the group with AD, as well as a decrease in the latency, characterized by the animals' permanence at the center of the platform, both with a medium effect. This demonstrates the anxiolytic effect of aerobic physical exercise, as reported by Gomes et al 25 The present study is extremely important because the aging of the population increases the risks of neurological diseases, which, in turn, require innovative methods of treatment that can improve the quality of life of this population. Some limitations of the present study should be considered, mainly the small sample size, which might have caused large discrepancies in the statistical analysis results, even with the analysis of effect size.…”

A New CBT Model of Panic Attack Treatment in Comorbid Heart Diseases (PATCHD): How to Calm an Anxious Heart and Mind

“…The Panic Attack Treatment in Comorbid Heart Diseases (PATCHD) model was developed explicitly in relation to CHD and HF, which represent leading causes for hospital admissions and global morbidity burden (Murray et al, 2012). The PATCHD model is backed by experience garnered from providing CBT, clinical assessment and recommendations to a diverse range of cardiac patients across public and private hospitals, and cardiac rehabilitation services, in conjunction with cardiologists, cardiac nurses and exercise physiologists (Ramos, Sardinha, Nardi, & Araújo, 2014 ;Sardinha et al, 2012;Sardinha et al, 2011;Sardinha, Nardi, Araujo, Ferreira, & Eifert, 2013;Sardinha, Nardi, & Zin, 2009; P. J. Tully, Selkow, Bengel, & Rafanelli, 2015; P. J.…”

“…We have been testing both continuous aerobic exercise protocols and interval training with promising results in reducing exercise avoidance, cardiac anxiety levels and panic disorder symptom intensity, as well as improving fitness. Details of continuous and interval aerobic exercise protocols for panic disorder and heart disease can be found elsewhere (Gomes, Sardinha, Soares de Araújo, Nardi, & Deslandes, 2014;Ramos et al, 2014). Theoretically, the induction of bodily sensations mimics those homeostatic changes associated with anxiety, and thus may alleviate anxiety sensitivity (Asmundson et al, 2013).…”

Treatment effect on temperament and character in panic disorder: a prospective randomized double-blind study

“…A previous study from our department has shown that aerobic training may produce favorable alterations in the PD, as measured through the Panic and Agoraphobia Scale, the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire, the Anxiety Sensitivity Index and in the Body Sensations Questionnaire scores. 23 Our study showed that before treatment, PD patients differed significantly from non-panic controls both in temperament (Harm Avoidance and Persistence) and character dimensions (Self-directedness and Cooperativeness). Harm Avoidance was higher, and Persistence, Self-directedness, and Cooperativeness were lower than in the non-panic group.…”