Aerobic Exercise as an Adjunct Therapy for Depression

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults aged 18-55 with moderate to severe depression will be randomly assigned to receive either standard antidepressant treatment and psychotherapy or the same treatment plus a supervised aerobic exercise program (cycling and brisk walking) for six weeks. Depression severity will be measured at baseline and after six weeks using the Beck Depression Inventory. The aerobic program involves three supervised sessions per week, 35 minutes each. The study aims to see if the addition of exercise improves depressive symptoms beyond pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy alone.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

i. All new patients diagnosed with moderate and severe depression using BDI scale according to ICD-11 criteria between the ages of 18-55 years.

ii. Both genders will be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

i. Patients with severe physical disabilities such as Spinal cord injuries, severe osteoporosis or medical conditions that prevent exercise such as ischemic changes in ECG pre-exercise.

ii. Pregnant females. iii. Individuals already engaging in physical activities like athletes.

Where it's running

• CMH Bahawalpur
  Chak Eighty-seven -Twelve Left, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Manahil Gill, MBBS
• Email: manahilgill143@gmail.com
• Phone: +92 304 6527981

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.