Using aerobic exercise to help treat depression

Individualized Exploration of Aerobic Exercise-assisted Treatment of Depression Monitored by Smart Band: a Randomized Controlled Trial

This study tests if using smart wristbands to track aerobic exercise can help people with depression feel better and improve their thinking skills.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 80 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 45 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Peking University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
• Trial ID: NCT06594588 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to evaluate how effective aerobic exercise, monitored by smart wristbands, can be in treating major depressive disorder and enhancing cognitive function. The study will investigate the underlying mechanisms of exercise's effects through imaging genetics and other methods, while also identifying populations that would benefit from personalized exercise prescriptions. Participants will be encouraged to adopt healthier physical activity habits as part of the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-45 who meet the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder and have a moderate level of depression severity.

Not a fit: Patients with other mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel, non-pharmacological treatment option for patients suffering from depression.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in using exercise as a treatment for depression, indicating that this approach is supported by existing research.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 18-45 years (including 18 and 45), no gender restriction;
2. Meets the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorders according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V);
3. Outpatients or inpatients; Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17-item (HAMD-17) score ≥ 14; Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) screening negative to exclude bipolar disorder patients; and Clinical Global Impressions-Severity (CGI-S) score ≥ 4;
4. Maintained on antidepressant treatment for at least 4 weeks or not using antidepressant treatment;
5. Written informed consent obtained from the patient.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosed with other mental disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, alcohol or substance abuse/dependence, eating disorders, etc.;
2. Individuals with intellectual disabilities or who are unable to cooperate for other reasons, or those lacking or having incomplete civil capacity during the onset of illness;
3. Suffering from neurological or organic brain diseases (such as stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, brain tumors, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, etc.) and a history of severe traumatic brain injury;
4. Suffering from conditions with high exercise risk, such as hypertension or heart disease;
5. Currently undergoing systematic psychological therapy;
6. In the 3-minute step test, males with a recovery heart rate more than131 and females with a recovery heart rate more than 140;
7. Physically restricted individuals unable to participate in physical exercise;
8. Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) score ≥ 2;
9. Pregnant women or individuals with contraindications to MRI examinations;
10. Individuals with severe suicidal tendencies or at risk of harming others.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

• Peking University Sixth Hostipal — Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Weihua Yue, Doctor

Conditions Depression - Major Depressive Disorder; Aerobic exercise