High‑ vs Low‑Dose Strength Training for 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

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• University of Wisconsin - Madison
  Madison, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting
• Iowa State University
  Ames, Iowa, United States Completed

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jacob Meyer, PhD — University of Wisconsin, Madison
• Study coordinator: Taline Jouzi
• Email: jouzi@wisc.edu
• Phone: 608-890-0154

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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.