Comparing yoga and behavioral therapy for treating depression
COMPARE: Expanding First-line Options for Depression and Matching Treatments to Patients: Hatha Yoga vs. Behavioral Therapy
This study tests whether online group yoga can help adults with depression just as much as personalized online therapy over 12 weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 518 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT05546697 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study compares the effectiveness of an online group-based hatha yoga intervention to an individualized online behavioral therapy for adults with clinically significant depressive symptoms. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the yoga or behavioral therapy group and will receive their respective interventions over a 12-week period. The study aims to determine if yoga is as effective as behavioral therapy in reducing depressive symptoms and to identify characteristics that predict which treatment may work best for individual patients. Assessments will be conducted at multiple time points to evaluate treatment outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with clinically significant depressive symptoms who can participate in online interventions.
Not a fit: Patients with severe depressive symptoms, active suicidal thoughts, or those unable to engage in physical activity may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with more diverse and accessible treatment options for depression.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results for yoga as a treatment for depression, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Aged 18 years old or older 2. Depressive symptoms at study entry (PHQ-9≥10) 3. Provides informed consent 4. Able to read and understand English or Spanish. 5. Live in NC, MA, MN, or RI 6. Has a healthcare provider (a primary care provider, clinic, or mental health care provider) whom the participant could contact if medical care were needed Exclusion Criteria: 1. PHQ-9 \> 20 2. A bone fracture or joint surgery in the past 6 months 3. Unable to walk 4. Severe heart failure or lung disease 5. Had a healthcare provider tell them it is unsafe to exercise 6. Currently pregnant 7. Are already engaged in study interventions (i.e., engaged in yoga practice or psychotherapy more than once in the past 4 weeks or has an intake scheduled for psychotherapy in the next 4 weeks). 8. Have active suicidal thinking (i.e., PHQ-9 item 9 ≥1 and a positive response to CSSR-S screener items 3, 4, 5, or 6 \[Past 3 months\]) 9. Are currently experiencing manic symptoms (Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale score ≥ 6) 10. Unable to complete study procedures (i.e., attend yoga classes, BA sessions)
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Giuliana Chau — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Louisa Sylvia, PhD — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Giuliana M Chau, BA
- Email: gchau1@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 6176439923
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.