Intermittent Fasting for Inflammation and Depression in Spinal Cord Injury
Key facts
- Where
- London, CanadaSee the site
Where in Canada
- Parkwood Institute, St Joseph's Health Care LondonLondon, CanadaNo longer taking part
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
- London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's
- Trial code
- NCT06807528
- Record updated
- 21 February 2025
- Original description
Depression and chronic inflammation are common problems for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Inflammation has been shown to influence depression which may make it an important treatment target. Previous studies have shown that changes in diet and exercise can affect this pathway and improve symptoms of depression in SCI patients. However, following these interventions long-term can be difficult.Read full original descriptionShow less
Intermittent Fasting as an Anti-inflammatory Strategy for the Treatment of Depression in Spinal Cord Injury
Depression and chronic inflammation are common problems for people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Inflammation has been shown to influence depression which may make it an important treatment target. Previous studies have shown that changes in diet and exercise can affect this pathway and improve symptoms of depression in SCI patients. However, following these interventions long-term can be difficult.
Intermittent fasting is a way of eating that involves fasting for a certain period of time and then eating normally. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve mood in able-bodied people, but its unknown if it can help people with depression and chronic inflammation, such as those with SCI. As intermittent fasting is a simple, easier to follow strategy than a diet it may be a more feasible long-term strategy. In addition, certain behavioural techniques such education, encouragement, and self monitoring may further help. This study aims to find out if intermittent fasting + support can be a helpful and simpler treatment for depression in SCI patients.
In this study, 32 individuals with SCI who have depression will be invited to be randomly assigned to either try intermittent fasting + support or intermittent fasting alone. Both groups will fast for 16 hours per day for 8-weeks but only the supported group will receive behaviour techniques. Measurements will be taken prior to starting the interventions and after completing the interventions to assess for any changes in depression. Adherence, safety and inflammation will also be assessed.
By the end of the study, the investigators hope that intermittent fasting can help safely reduce symptoms of depression and inflammation in people with SCI. The investigators also hope to find that additional behavior support further helps people adhere. This may provide a simple, easy to follow, and cost-free treatment for depression and inflammation in people with SCI.
Inclusion: Chronic (≥1 year post) SCI of any level or severity; 18 years of age or older; mild to moderate scores of depression based on the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID) by clinical psychologist; stable dose of depression medications.
Exclusion: currently using anti-inflammatory medications; variable dosages of depression / anxiety medications; currently using anticoagulant medications; prior diagnosis of cardiovascular disease; people with diabetes; current wound/infection; history of eating disorder; women who are pregnant or attempting to become pregnant; people with suicidal ideation.