Exploring how physical activity affects 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

This clinical trial investigates the mechanisms by which aerobic exercise may alleviate symptoms of depression. It involves a randomized controlled trial with 250 participants, comparing the effects of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise to a control group engaging in stretching and relaxation exercises over eight weeks. The study aims to assess changes in depressive symptoms, immune-metabolic function, and brain activity related to reward processing and cognitive control using advanced imaging techniques. By identifying specific factors that influence the effectiveness of exercise in treating depression, the trial seeks to personalize exercise prescriptions for individuals based on their motivational needs.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria will include:

1. PHQ9≥12 (moderate depression).
2. Current physical activity level below 30 min moderate physical activity, once per week.
3. Fluency in English.
4. Willingness to undergo the interventions.
5. Age 18-60.
6. Willing and able to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria will include:

1. Medical contraindications to either intervention.
2. Neurological illness.
3. Past or current diagnosis of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or substance/alcohol use disorder, unless restricted to a depressive episode.
4. Unable to complete self-administered cognitive or questionnaire assessments.
5. Symptoms or cognitive impairment that would limit capacity to consent.
6. Pregnancy.
7. Regular use of anti-inflammatory medication (more than once per week).

Where it's running

• Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London
  London, United Kingdom Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jonathan P Roiser, PhD — University College, London
• Study coordinator: Emily Hird, PhD
• Email: e.hird@ucl.ac.uk
• Phone: +44 20 7907 471

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Smartphone-supported single-session psychotherapy for postpartum depression

  A single online therapy session plus four weeks of app-based support is being tested to see if it reduces depressive symptoms in postpartum women compared with a waitlist.

  Recruiting University of Sao Paulo · São Paulo, São Paulo · NCT07925762

• Mindful Smartphone Use: A Mindfulness-Based Program for Teens with Sleep and Mood Challenges

  This study tests Mindwire, a mindfulness-based program, to see if it helps teens with problematic phone use who also have depression or anxiety.

  Recruiting Brown University · Providence, Rhode Island · NCT07892807

• Tele-based wellbeing centres for women's mental health in Bangladesh

  A randomized trial tests whether tele-counselling for depression and anxiety in Bangladeshi women is as effective as in-person counselling.

  Recruiting at 2 sites International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh · Chāndpur, Matlab Dakshin and 1 other locations · NCT07890896

• Remote monitoring for adults with depression using ThIA Suivi

  This study tests whether adding the ThIA Suivi remote monitoring tool to usual psychiatric care helps adults with depression feel more improved after 3 months compared with standard care alone.

  Recruiting at 3 sites Phase 1 ThIA Santé Mentale · Bron and 2 other locations · NCT07878754

• HBOT to see if it helps cognition and well‑being in first responders with prior brain injury

  This study tests whether 40 hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions can improve thinking skills and post-concussion symptoms in current or former first responders with a history of brain injury.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Summit Hyperbarics and Wellness · Boise, Idaho · NCT07852728

• Focused ultrasound for mood and anxiety disorders

  This study tests whether repeated low-intensity focused ultrasound using the ATTN201 device can help people with subsyndromal to moderate depression, anxiety, or OCD.

  Recruiting Attune Neurosciences Inc · San Francisco, California and 1 other locations · NCT07851038

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.