Tests two resistance exercise doses for adults with major depression
Tests whether a 16-week high or low dose of resistance exercise helps adults with depression.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: RESISTance Exercise for Depression Trial
Key facts
- Where
- Ames and Madison, United StatesSee the 2 sites
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Source: NCT06110897, who can take part
Where in United States
- Iowa State UniversityAmes, United StatesNo longer taking part
- University of Wisconsin - MadisonMadison, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Trial code
- NCT06110897
- Record updated
- 5 May 2026
- Original description
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.Read full original descriptionShow less
Resistance Exercise to Treat Major Depression Via Cerebrovascular Mechanisms: Confirming Efficacy and Informing Precision Medicine
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.
Inclusion: 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: Diagnosed with lifetime or current Psychosis, Mania, or Bipolar Disorder, via the SCID; Diagnosed with current Substance Use Disorder, via the SCID; Exhibit behavioral disturbance (e.g., aggression, mild-moderate cognitive impairment) that would significantly interfere with study participation, as assessed by clinical research personnel; Having cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, or uncontrolled diabetes; Currently pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant during the trial; Class III+ obesity; 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; 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.