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Behavioural Intervention

Exercise for Depression

N/A

Recruiting

Led By A'Naja Newsome, PhD

Research Sponsored by University of Central Florida

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Enrolled UCF college students aged 18 to 25

Be between 18 and 65 years old

Must not have

Beta-blocker medications

Under 110 lbs

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 1 year

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial aims to study the effects of exercise on depression, BDNF, enjoyment, affect, and quality of life in college students.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for UCF college students aged 18 to 25 with mild to moderate depression who are willing and physically able to exercise. Participants must be okay with wearing a Fitbit and not underweight, pregnant, nursing, or smokers. They can't join if they have certain mental health conditions, take beta-blockers, or have been advised against giving blood.

What is being tested?

The study examines how different amounts of exercise affect depression symptoms in sedentary young adults. It also looks at changes in BDNF levels after exercising for ten weeks and assesses the impact on enjoyment and quality of life.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this trial involves physical activity as an intervention rather than medication, side effects may include typical exercise-related issues such as muscle soreness or fatigue but will vary based on individual fitness levels.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I am a UCF student aged 18 to 25.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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I am taking beta-blocker medications.

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I weigh less than 110 lbs.

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I am currently on medication for depression or receiving cognitive therapy.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 1 year

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~1 year

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 1 year for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) assay

Secondary study objectives

Fitbit for heart rate

Fitbit for physical activity data

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

3Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: walking attention controlExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will be provided sleep education material and will be asked to perform 15 minutes of leisure walking three times per week. This exercise intensity does not meet the recommended volume of exercise necessary for health benefits. Instructing participants to walk will reduce the likelihood that participants will undertake a more vigorous exercise routine. Participants will be asked to track their sleep each night using Fitbit.

Group II: moderate-dose moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will be asked to perform a moderate-dose (MD) (i.e., 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week) of structured exercise for 10 weeks. Exercise modality and schedule will be participant- selected and may consist of any combination of aerobic and strength training that elevates the heart rate between 64 - 95 percent of estimated heart rate max. Participants will be asked to track their activity using Fitbit.

Group III: high-dose moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants will be asked to perform a high-dose (HD) (i.e., 300 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week) of structured exercise for 10 weeks. Exercise modality and schedule will be participant- selected and may consist of any combination of aerobic and strength training that elevates the heart rate between 64 - 95 percent of estimated heart rate max. Participants will be asked to track their activity using Fitbit.

0 / 4Eligibility criteria met