Tests exercise before talk therapy for adults with major depression
Compares moderate exercise versus quiet rest before weekly talk therapy in adults with depression.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Exercise-priming of CBT for Depression: the CBT+ Trial
Key facts
- Where
- Madison, United StatesSee the site
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: NCT07221929, who can take part
Where in United States
- University of WisconsinMadison, 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
- NCT07221929
- Record updated
- 4 March 2026
- Original description
This study investigates the effects of intentionally sequencing aerobic exercise immediately prior to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to determine its effects on mechanisms of CBT (i.e., working alliance, behavioral activation). To assess the utility of this treatment augmentation, investigators will conduct a randomized controlled trial involving 100 adults with Major Depressive Disorder who will watch a nature documentary while either resting quietly ( 'CalmCBT') or exercising at a moderate intensity ('ActiveCBT') immediately prior to 8 weekly sessions of CBT.Read full original descriptionShow less
Exercise-priming of CBT for Depression: the CBT+ Trial
This study investigates the effects of intentionally sequencing aerobic exercise immediately prior to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to determine its effects on mechanisms of CBT (i.e., working alliance, behavioral activation). To assess the utility of this treatment augmentation, investigators will conduct a randomized controlled trial involving 100 adults with Major Depressive Disorder who will watch a nature documentary while either resting quietly ( 'CalmCBT') or exercising at a moderate intensity ('ActiveCBT') immediately prior to 8 weekly sessions of CBT.
Inclusion: a diagnosis of DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5) MDD, confirmed via Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID); current depressive symptoms of at least mild severity defined by a Hamilton Rating Scale of Depression (using the GRID-HAMD) score greater than or equal to 8; EITHER not currently take any mental health medications or use 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 encouraged to maintain that regimen for the duration of the 8 week intervention period; willing and safe to perform exercise based on responses on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (rules out contraindications to exercise); reported being CBT-naïve (as defined by never undergoing structured CBT).
Exclusion: being diagnosed with current Substance Use Disorder, via the SCID; being diagnosed with lifetime or current Psychosis, Mania, or Bipolar Disorder, via the SCID; exhibiting behavioral disturbance (e.g., aggression, mild-moderate cognitive impairment) or relationships with the study team members (e.g., therapists) that would significantly interfere with study participation, as assessed by research personnel; reporting being currently pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant during the study; having class III+ obesity (BMI greater than or equal to 40); active suicidal ideation with specific plan and intent ('5' score on Suicidal Ideation from Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale [C-SSRS]).