Study of How Ibuprofen and Exercise Affect Symptoms, Immunity, and Brain Activity in Adults With Bipolar Depression

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the short-term antidepressant effects of acute exercise in adults with bipolar depression. This randomized, triple-blind, crossover trial involves 20 participants aged 18 to 55 years who have a current major depressive episode and meet specific diagnostic criteria. The study aims to investigate how exercise affects symptoms, immunity, and brain function, and whether blocking inflammation with ibuprofen changes these effects. Participants will take part in four sessions combining exercise or rest with either 800 mg of ibuprofen or a placebo. Exercise sessions involve 30 minutes of cycling on a bicycle ergometer at 60% peak power output, while rest sessions consist of 30 minutes sitting in a chair. The order of these sessions is counterbalanced, allowing comparison of the effects of exercise and ibuprofen on mood and neural responses. During the study, participants will undergo behavioral testing, magnetic resonance imaging MRI, and blood draws to assess inflammation markers and brain activity related to reward processing. Researchers will measure changes in inflammatory proteins such as IL-6, TNF, and IL-10, brain volume, and symptoms of anhedonia using standardized scales. Safety and adherence will be monitored throughout the study, which lasts long enough to complete all four experimental sessions.

Effects of Acute Exercise and Ibuprofen on Symptoms, Immunity, and Neural Circuits in Bipolar Depression