Physical Activity in the Management of Personality Disorders

The PANDA trial is studying whether two types of physical activity - a walking program and supervised karate training - are safe, acceptable, and possible for adults with certain personality disorders. The goal is to see if these activities can help people while being safe and easy to do.

Who can take part:

* Adults with borderline personality disorder or avoidant/anxious personality disorder. * People receiving treatment at two outpatient mental health clinics in the Capital Region of Denmark. * The study plans to include about 60 participants.

What will happen in the study:

Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups:

* Usual treatment only (control group). * Usual treatment plus walking program: an 8 - week pedometer - based program with goal setting and follow-up sessions. * Usual treatment plus supervised karate training: an 8 - week program led by experienced instructors.

What the study will look at:

* Main goal: Check if the programs can be done as planned, including whether participants attend sessions, follow the program, and stay safe. * Other outcomes: Possible changes in physical health, fitness, emotions, personality symptoms, body image, and daily activity. * Data will be collected through physical tests, questionnaires, and follow-up interviews about participants' experiences and motivation. * Measurements will take place at the start, after 8 weeks, and after 12 weeks (follow-up questionnaires only).

Why this study is important:

The results will help researchers decide if it is possible to run a larger study in the future to see if walking or karate training can improve health and wellbeing for people with personality disorders.