# An Acute Exercise Intervention to Ameliorate Behavioral and Neurophysiological Indices of Inhibitory Control Deficits in Schizophrenia: A Mobile Brain/Body Imaging (MoBI) Study

> **NIH NIH F99** · UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER · 2024 · $49,974

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Inhibitory control deficits are a core feature of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs), with clear
manifestations seen in psychophysiological, electrophysiological, and neuroanatomical measures of these
processes. Addressing these symptoms is of critical clinical relevance since they are a main predictor of negative
vocational and psychosocial outcomes. An intriguing set of findings has suggested physical activity and exercise
can have a positive effect on SSD symptomatology, but the exercise-linked neural changes that may result in
improved inhibitory control is unknown. Mobile Brain/Body Imaging (MoBI) technologies enable the assessment
of cognitive control processes in participants using high-density electroencephalography (hd-EEG) during task
performance and physical activity. During the F99 phase, using cutting-edge MoBI technologies, I will test if a
single acute walking intervention will mitigate behavioral and neurophysiological indices of inhibitory control
deficits in SSDs (Aim 1A) and if individuals with SSDs showing significant improvement in inhibitory control
performance and normalization of inhibition-related event-related-potential (ERP) components to neurotypical
adults have less severe psychosis symptoms (Aim 1B). In Aim 2, I examine the underlying structural-functional
neural bases and behavior of disturbances in cognitive control and sensory processing among people with and
at risk for SSDs. Upon completion of both phases, I will become a multimodal neuroimaging and computational
psychiatry expert in SSDs. Learning neuroimaging methods (fMRI) and computational models to stimulate the
complex dynamics of brain function and behavior, alongside environmental factors, will enable me to identify the
underlying mechanisms of SSDs and propel the field forward in developing personalized treatments. The training
received during the F99/K00 phases will prepare me for the transition to a faculty position at a R1 institution,
where I will lead a distinguished neuroscience program and implement diversity initiatives to address issues
related to diversity and inclusion in neuroscience. As an expert in multimodal neuroimaging and computational
psychiatry, I will persist in exploring similar K00 research, now focusing on individuals who are D/deaf or hard-
of-hearing (D/HH) with psychosis to investigate variations of sensory-cognitive neural circuits generating auditory
and visual hallucinations, as well as develop personalized treatment algorithms. I am firmly committed to
providing practical, tractable solutions to individuals with SSDs through basic knowledge.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11075459
- **Project number:** 1F99NS139427-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Victoria Anne Popov
- **Activity code:** F99 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $49,974
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-01 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11075459

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11075459, An Acute Exercise Intervention to Ameliorate Behavioral and Neurophysiological Indices of Inhibitory Control Deficits in Schizophrenia: A Mobile Brain/Body Imaging (MoBI) Study (1F99NS139427-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11075459. Licensed CC0.

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