To make a run for IT – a feasibility study of ICBT combined with physical exercise for patients with panic disorder

Abstract Background Guided Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) is a recommended treatment for panic disorder promising to increase treatment availability, but there are some concerns regarding adherence, including adherence to the in vivo exposure given as home assignments. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of combining ICBT with physical exercise with the aim of improving adherence and treatment response to ICBT. Method 12 participants were included via routine clinical practice to an open pre- post trial of feasibility using ICBT and an aerobe exercise protocol. We used a mixed model design investigating multiple areas of adherence, participants’ experience and clinical outcome. Results 90.9% of the participants was considered completers in the ICBT program and the average adherence to the physical exercise was 93.1%. The experience of participating was summarized as “Hard work but worth it”. Clinical outcomes effect sizes (d) ranged from 2.79 (panic severity) to .64 (Beck's anxiety index). Conclusion The sum results on adherence, qualitative and quantitative data all suggest that augmenting ICBT with an aerobic exercise protocol is feasible. We conclude that further research is warranted.