RecruitingMajor Depressive Disorder
RESISTance Exercise for Depression Trial
Eligible age
18–65 yrs
Accepts
All genders
Locations
2 states
Healthy volunteers
No
See if you qualify for this study
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About this study
Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and current treatments are ineffective for many people. This trial will investigate the efficacy of a 16-week high vs low dose resistance exercise training program for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in 200 adults.
Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison
You may qualify if…
- ✓ 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
You may not qualify if…
- ✕ 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
Where it's recruiting
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06110897 · last updated 2026-05-05