Actively Recruiting
RESISTance Exercise for Depression Trial
Led by University of Wisconsin, Madison · Updated on 2026-05-05
200
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
304 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and current treatments are ineffective for many people. This trial will investigate the efficacy of a 16-week high vs low dose resistance exercise training program for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in 200 adults.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
RESISTance Exercise for Depression Trial
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder according to DSM-5 confirmed by Structured Clinical Interview
- Have depressive symptoms with a Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score of 8 or higher
- Aged between 18 and 65 years
- Either not taking mental health medications or treatments or on a stable regimen for at least 8 weeks and plan to continue during the study
- Safe to exercise based on screening or physician approval
- Willing to be randomly assigned to either exercise group
- Own a smartphone
You will not qualify if you...
- Currently pregnant, nursing, or planning pregnancy during the trial
- Have Class III or higher obesity
- Diagnosed with psychosis, mania, or bipolar disorder
- Diagnosed with current substance use disorder
- Have active suicidal thoughts with specific plan and intent requiring immediate care
- Show behavioral problems that interfere with study participation
- Currently meet resistance exercise recommendations of 2 or more days per week
- Had a concussion or traumatic brain injury within the last 3 months
- Have cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or uncontrolled diabetes
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa, United States, 50010
Completed
2
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Madison, Wisconsin, United States, 53705
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
T
Taline Jouzi
CONTACT
J
Jeni Lansing
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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