Exploring how physical activity affects depression

The Mechanisms Underlying the Antidepressant Effects of Physical Activity

This study is trying to see if doing aerobic exercise can help people with depression feel better compared to those doing stretching and relaxation exercises.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 250 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 60 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University College, London (other)
• Locations: 1 site (London)
• Trial ID: NCT06387732 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-60 with moderate depression who engage in minimal physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients with severe mental health disorders, such as psychosis or bipolar disorder, or those with medical contraindications to exercise may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective and tailored exercise programs for individuals suffering from depression.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results regarding the antidepressant effects of physical activity, suggesting that this approach is both relevant and potentially impactful.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

London

• 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

Conditions: Depression, Aerobic exercise, Effort, Decision-making, Cognitive control, Dopamine, Inflammation, Motivation