Effects of aerobic exercise intensity on depression in youth
Assessing the Clinical & Neural Outcomes in Depressed Youth Randomized to One of Two Intensities of Aerobic Exercise
This study is testing whether moderate or high-intensity aerobic exercise can help young people aged 16 to 24 with depression feel better and improve their brain function.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ottawa, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT04110041 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study assesses the impact of moderate versus high-intensity aerobic exercise on symptoms of depression, cognitive functioning, and brain activity in transitional-aged youth (ages 16-24). Participants will engage in supervised aerobic exercise sessions three times a week for 12 weeks. The study aims to explore alternative treatment options for major depressive disorder, particularly for youth who may not respond well to traditional pharmacological therapies. By utilizing fMRI and EEG, the research will also investigate changes in neural outcomes associated with different exercise intensities.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are transitional-aged youth aged 16-24 who are currently experiencing depression and are not on antidepressant medication.
Not a fit: Patients with serious medical or neurological conditions, significant suicide risk, or those currently taking psychoactive drugs may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-pharmacological treatment option for young individuals suffering from depression.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results for aerobic exercise as a treatment for depression, indicating potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Currently experiencing depression (MDD or PDD); * Free of pharmacotherapy (ie. antidepressant medication) for \>5 weeks; * Not currently engaging in regular moderate or vigorous intensity exercise; * Able to read/understand English; * Body mass index \[BMI\] \< 40; * Medically cleared to engage in aerobic exercise. Exclusion Criteria: * Currently engaged in another exercise trial; * Another Axis I/II DSM-5 disorder, apart from co-morbid anxiety disorder(s); * Current or lifetime history of serious medical or neurological conditions; * Currently taking psychoactive drugs (occasional use of anti-anxiety medication permitted); * Regular user of nicotine products; * Unstable medical conditions, especially those that prevent exercise; * Exhibiting significant suicide risk; * MRI contraindications; * Currently pregnant or breastfeeding.
Where this trial is running
Ottawa, Ontario
- University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research — Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Natalia Jaworska, PhD
- Email: Natalia.Jaworska@theroyal.ca
- Phone: 613-722-6521
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.