The aim of this Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) is to test the effects of a structured physical activity (PA) program on symptoms in female outpatients aged 18 to 40 years with a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The main questions it aims to answer are:
1. Does a structured PA program reduce clinical symptoms in patients with BPD? 2. How does the effectiveness of a structured PA program compare to a psychoeducational intervention in reducing clinical symptoms and improving physical activity parameters?
Participants will participate in a 12-week structured PA program preceded by three weekly psychoeducation sessions focused on nutrition (intervention group) or will receive a 12-week psychoeducational program on nutrition and PA (control group).
Researchers will compare the intervention group (structured PA program) and the control group (psychoeducational program) to see if the structured PA program leads to greater improvements in clinical symptoms and physical activity parameters. Moreover, the study includes a multidimensional assessment (physical, psychological, and biological) at four time points: at the start of the treatment (T0), at 6 weeks (mid-treatment, when changes from PA become visible and measurable), at the end of the 3-month treatment period (T3), and at a 3-month follow-up after the treatment (T6).
Female gender.
Age between 18 and 40 years.
Primary diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) according to the diagnostic criteria of the DSM-5.
Outpatient treatment.
Current pregnancy or planning a pregnancy within the next 6 months.
Acute psychotic symptoms.
Comorbidities with Eating Disorders, Substance Use Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder.
Absolute contraindications to physical exercise, such as medical conditions that interfere with the ability to perform exercise or with the physiological response to exercise tests, e.g., the use of beta-adrenergic blocking agents.