Aerobic and breathing exercises to change biomarkers linked to depression
The Effect of Respiratory and Aerobic Exercises on Neuroprotective and Inflammation Biomarkers in Patients Diagnosed With Major Depression
This study will try breathing and aerobic exercise to see if they change inflammation, oxidative stress, and growth-factor biomarkers in adults aged 18–40 with major depression.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Kutahya Health Sciences University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kütahya, Merkez) |
| Trial ID | NCT07062783 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional project enrolls adults 18–40 diagnosed with major depression per DSM-5 who can walk and do aerobic activity and who do not have chronic medical or respiratory conditions. Participants will perform breathing exercises and supervised aerobic exercise sessions while blood samples are collected before and after the intervention. Researchers will measure growth factors (IGF-1, FGF2, EGF), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1), and oxidative stress markers (TAS, TOS, MDA, F2-isoprostane) to compare changes associated with the exercises. The protocol is run at Kutahya Health Sciences University and excludes people with walking or respiratory difficulties and those with chronic comorbid illnesses.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–40 with a DSM-5 diagnosis of major depression who can perform aerobic activity and have no chronic medical or respiratory disorders are the best fit.
Not a fit: People with chronic comorbid illnesses, walking impairments, respiratory disorders, or those outside the 18–40 age range are unlikely to qualify or benefit from the tested interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the interventions could support a non-drug approach that improves biological processes linked to depression and help tailor exercise-based treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows aerobic exercise can reduce depressive symptoms and can change some inflammatory and growth-factor markers, but results for specific biomarkers are mixed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals who volunteer to participate in the study, * Between the ages of 18 and 40, * Have been diagnosed with clinical depression by a psychiatrist according to DSM-5 criteria Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with chronic conditions accompanying depression, * Those with walking difficulties * Those with respiratory system disorders
Where this trial is running
Kütahya, Merkez
- Kutahya Health Sciences University — Kütahya, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hatice Solak, Assos. Prof
- Email: hatice.solak@ksbu.edu.tr
- Phone: +90274 260 0043
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.