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Behavioral Intervention

Aerobic Exercise for Depression

N/A
Recruiting
Research Sponsored by The Royal's Institute of Mental Health Research
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Be younger than 65 years old
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up baseline, mid-intervention (6 weeks), post-intervention (12 weeks), 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up
Awards & highlights
No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial will compare the effects of moderate vs. high intensity aerobic exercise on depression, cognition, and brain function in young adults.

Who is the study for?
This trial is for young people aged 16-24 who are struggling with depression and haven't been taking antidepressants or exercising regularly. They should be able to understand English, have a BMI under 40, and be medically okay to do aerobic exercise. Those at risk of suicide, with MRI issues, serious health conditions, nicotine use, pregnancy/breastfeeding or other major psychiatric disorders can't join.
What is being tested?
The study is looking at how different levels of workout intensity affect depression in youth. Participants will do either moderate or high-intensity aerobic exercises three times a week for twelve weeks while being watched over by professionals to see changes in their mood, thinking skills and brain function.
What are the potential side effects?
While the trial itself doesn't involve medication that could cause side effects, exercise may lead to muscle soreness, fatigue or injury if not done properly. The staff will supervise sessions to minimize risks.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~baseline, mid-intervention (6 weeks), post-intervention (12 weeks), 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and baseline, mid-intervention (6 weeks), post-intervention (12 weeks), 3-month follow-up, 6-month follow-up for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Adherence to moderate & high intensity exercise regimens as prescribed
Changes in clinician-rated depression-related symptoms
Changes in self-reported depression-related symptoms
+2 more
Secondary study objectives
Changes in cognitive function
Changes in daily functioning
Changes in electrocortical-indexed brain activity profiles
+3 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group
All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Moderate IntensityExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Aerobic exercise maintained for 30 minutes at 50-55% of each participant's individual heart rate reserve (HRRes).
Group II: High IntensityExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Aerobic exercise maintained for 30 minutes at 80-85% of each participant's individual heart rate reserve (HRRes).
Treatment
First Studied
Drug Approval Stage
How many patients have taken this drug
Aerobic Exercise
2013
Completed Early Phase 1
~1350

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

The Royal's Institute of Mental Health ResearchLead Sponsor
5 Previous Clinical Trials
1,150 Total Patients Enrolled
1 Trials studying Depression
40 Patients Enrolled for Depression
~4 spots leftby Sep 2025
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