Functionality and Neurocognition in Patients With Bipolar Disorder After a Physical-Exercise Program (FINEXT-BD...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Bipolar disorder (BD) significantly impacts functionality and cognition.
• Exercise is increasingly recognized for its positive effects on psychiatric symptoms and cognitive function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if an individualized exercise program enhances functional status in adults diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
• To explore the effects of exercise on clinical, physical (including brain structure), and biological markers in BD patients.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal, randomized, controlled, simple-blind trial involving 80 BD patients (aged 18-65).
• Participants were assigned to either a physical exercise intervention plus Treatment-As-Usual (TAU) or TAU alone.
• Assessments included clinical tests, optical coherence tomography for brain structure, cardiorespiratory fitness, and biomarkers (inflammation, oxidative stress, neurotrophic factors) at baseline, 4 months, and 6-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Data analysis is pending completion of the 6-month follow-up period.
• The study is designed to detect significant differences in functional status and other parameters between the intervention and control groups.

Conclusions:

• This research aims to provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder.
• Findings may support the integration of exercise as a therapeutic lifestyle modification to improve the long-term prognosis and management of BD.