High‑ vs Low‑Dose Strength Training for Depression
Resistance Exercise to Treat Major Depression Via Cerebrovascular Mechanisms: Confirming Efficacy and Informing Precision Medicine
This study will test whether 16 weeks of higher‑dose versus lower‑dose strength (resistance) training helps adults with major depressive disorder feel less depressed.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Ames, Iowa and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06110897 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
In a randomized 1:1 trial of 200 adults with DSM‑5 major depressive disorder, participants will complete 16 weeks of either high‑dose or low‑dose progressive resistance exercise training. Depression severity will be measured by trained, masked raters using standardized scales (e.g., GRID‑HAMD) and diagnostic status confirmed with the SCID. The trial will also measure potential mechanisms such as changes in cerebrovascular function and self‑efficacy, and apply supervised machine learning to predict symptom change and adherence. Sites include the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Iowa State University, with collaborators from NIMH and the University of Minnesota.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with DSM‑5 diagnosed major depressive disorder, current symptoms (GRID‑HAMD ≥8), medically safe to exercise, willing to be randomized, and able to maintain stable mental health treatments if applicable are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with bipolar disorder, current or lifetime psychosis, class III+ obesity, those who are pregnant or planning pregnancy, or those unable or unsafe to perform resistance exercise may not benefit from or be eligible for this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer an effective non‑drug treatment option that reduces depressive symptoms and can be incorporated into routine care.
How similar studies have performed: Smaller trials and meta‑analyses suggest resistance exercise can reduce depressive symptoms, but large randomized dose‑comparison trials like this are limited and the dosing question remains relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* Be diagnosed with DSM-5 MDD, confirmed via Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID).
* Have current depressive symptoms of at least mild severity defined by the Hamilton Rating Scale of Depression 17 greater than or equal to 8 (HAMD; using the GRID-HAMD evaluated by trained, masked raters)
* Be ages 18-65
* EITHER not taking any mental health medications or seeking other mental health treatment (e.g., behavioral, psychological) OR be on a stable mental health medication and/or treatment regimen for the past 8 weeks, and intend to maintain that regimen for the duration of the study
* Safe to exercise based on physical activity screening questions or physician clearance
* Willing to be randomized to either condition
* have a Smartphone
Exclusion Criteria:
* Currently pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant during the trial
* Class III+ obesity
* Diagnosed with lifetime or current Psychosis, Mania, or Bipolar Disorder, via the SCID
* Diagnosed with current Substance Use Disorder, via the SCID
* Active suicidal ideation with specific plan and intent ('5' score on Suicidal Ideation from Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale), which would necessitate immediate emergent care
* Exhibit behavioral disturbance (e.g., aggression, mild-moderate cognitive impairment) that would significantly interfere with study participation, as assessed by clinical research personnel
* Currently meets resistance exercise recommendations (2 days per week) for the last 8 weeks
* Self-reporting a concussion/traumatic brain injury within the last 3 months
* Having cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or uncontrolled diabetes
Where this trial is running
Ames, Iowa and 1 other locations
- Iowa State University — Ames, Iowa, United States (Completed)
- University of Wisconsin - Madison — Madison, Wisconsin, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jacob Meyer, PhD — University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Study coordinator: Taline Jouzi
- Email: jouzi@wisc.edu
- Phone: 608-890-0154
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.