Inflammatory and Brain Mechanisms and Clinical and Cognitive Effects of an Exercise Intervention in Major Depressive Disorder: a Randomised Longitudinal Clinical Trial.

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how physical exercise affects patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), focusing on the anti-inflammatory, oxidative stress, and brain mechanisms behind the antidepressant effects of exercise. This trial aims to understand how effective a physical exercise program is when combined with standard antidepressant treatment in real-life conditions. The study also explores improvements in depressive symptoms, cognitive performance, functioning, and well-being over time. The trial randomly assigns participants to one of two groups: an exercise intervention group that receives a 12-week physical exercise program alongside their usual antidepressant medication, and a control group that continues only their standard antidepressant treatment without changing their physical activity. The exercise program includes daily walking monitored with an activity band and twice-weekly supervised online aerobic and strength sessions using elastic bands and body weight exercises, progressing in intensity and difficulty. Participants will be assessed at three time points: before starting the intervention, after 12 weeks, and one year later. Researchers will measure inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, brain imaging changes, clinical evaluations, cognitive function, physical fitness, activity behaviors, and well-being. Monitoring includes use of wearable devices for step counting and activity tracking, and the study evaluates long-term effects and patient acceptance of the exercise program.

Cerebral and Anti-inflammatory Response Through Exercise - Mechanisms In Depressive Disorders