30 Participants Needed

Physical Activity Program for Depression

VB
Overseen ByVenkat Bhat
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Unity Health Toronto
Must be taking: Antidepressants
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)
Approved in 1 JurisdictionThis treatment is already approved in other countries

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it requires no changes to your treatments one month before screening and throughout the study.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment MoveU.HappyU for depression?

Research shows that exercise can help reduce symptoms of depression, especially in mild to moderate cases. Many patients find exercise to be a valuable part of their treatment, and those who continue exercising often experience lower depression levels.12345

Is the physical activity program for depression safe for humans?

Exercise programs for depression are generally safe, with any adverse events being manageable. However, more well-designed studies are needed to provide clearer insights into their safety and benefits.45678

How is the MoveU.HappyU treatment different from other treatments for depression?

MoveU.HappyU is unique because it focuses on physical activity as a treatment for depression, which is shown to have a moderate antidepressant effect, especially when sessions are at least moderately intense. Unlike traditional treatments like medication or therapy, this approach emphasizes exercise, which is well-accepted and can enhance mood without the side effects associated with drugs.49101112

What is the purpose of this trial?

This is a pilot study examining the delivery of a remotely delivered, one-on-one, individualized physical activity (PA) program in adult participants with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults with treatment-resistant depression, meaning their condition didn't improve after trying at least two different treatments. Participants should be able to engage in physical activity and have access to the internet for remote sessions.

Inclusion Criteria

I am currently experiencing a major depressive episode without psychosis.
My treatment follows the Canadian guidelines for mood and anxiety without recent changes.
I have tried at least two antidepressants without success.
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

Non-English-speaking individuals
I have diabetes.
Diagnosis of alcohol or substance use disorder within the past 3 months
See 11 more

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive a 4-week remotely delivered one-on-one individualized physical activity program adjunct to treatment as usual

4 weeks
Remote sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

6 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • MoveU.HappyU
Trial Overview The study is testing a program called MoveU.HappyU, which is a personalized physical activity (PA) regimen delivered remotely on a one-on-one basis to see if it can help people with TRD feel better.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: PA programExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants in the PA group will receive a 4-week remotely delivered one-on-one individualized PA program adjunct to TAU.
Group II: TAUActive Control1 Intervention
Participants in the TAU group will be given a handout with the Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines and be told that they are encouraged to engage in PA.

MoveU.HappyU is already approved in Canada for the following indications:

🇨🇦
Approved in Canada as MoveU.HappyU for:
  • Treatment-resistant depression (TRD)
  • Stress management
  • Anxiety reduction

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Unity Health Toronto

Lead Sponsor

Trials
572
Recruited
470,000+

University of Toronto

Collaborator

Trials
739
Recruited
1,125,000+

Findings from Research

A 12-week home-based exercise program added to usual medical care did not significantly improve depression outcomes in 200 older adults, with remission rates being similar between the exercise group (63%) and the control group (59%).
The study found no improvement in objective fitness measures among participants in the exercise group, suggesting that the lack of supervision may have hindered compliance and engagement with the exercise program.
ACTIVEDEP: a randomised, controlled trial of a home-based exercise intervention to alleviate depression in middle-aged and older adults.Pfaff, JJ., Alfonso, H., Newton, RU., et al.[2014]
Exercise significantly reduces symptoms of depression compared to no treatment, with a large effect size of -1.1 based on a systematic review of 14 studies.
However, the overall effectiveness of exercise as a treatment for depression is uncertain due to methodological weaknesses in the studies, such as inadequate randomization and follow-up, indicating a need for higher quality research.
The effectiveness of exercise as an intervention in the management of depression: systematic review and meta-regression analysis of randomised controlled trials.Lawlor, DA., Hopker, SW.[2022]
This study is testing a Behavioral Activation teletherapy intervention designed to increase physical activity in adults aged 18-64 with moderate to severe depression, involving a preliminary pilot study with 15 participants to refine the approach.
The intervention consists of 8 weekly sessions and aims to assess both the feasibility of implementation and preliminary efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms and increasing physical activity, setting the stage for a future randomized controlled trial.
Adaption of tele-behavioral activation to increase physical activity in depression: Protocol for iterative development and evaluation.Rethorst, CD., Trombello, JM., Chen, P., et al.[2023]

References

ACTIVEDEP: a randomised, controlled trial of a home-based exercise intervention to alleviate depression in middle-aged and older adults. [2014]
The effectiveness of exercise as an intervention in the management of depression: systematic review and meta-regression analysis of randomised controlled trials. [2022]
Adaption of tele-behavioral activation to increase physical activity in depression: Protocol for iterative development and evaluation. [2023]
Benefits of exercise for the treatment of depression. [2022]
The DEMO trial: a randomized, parallel-group, observer-blinded clinical trial of strength versus aerobic versus relaxation training for patients with mild to moderate depression. [2019]
Physical exercise and major depressive disorder in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis. [2023]
Exercise for mental illness: a systematic review of inpatient studies. [2018]
Immunological Effects of an Add-On Physical Exercise Therapy in Depressed Adolescents and Its Interplay with Depression Severity. [2023]
Physical Activity for the Treatment of Adolescent Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. [2023]
10.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Physical activity and likelihood of depression in adults: a review. [2022]
Exercise against depression. [2010]
12.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The relationship between physical activity and depressive symptoms in adolescents: a systematic review. [2018]
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