At a glance
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ActiveCBT for Depression: Transforming Treatment Through Exercise Priming
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating ActiveCBT and CalmCBT for Major Depressive Disorder. Completed, enrolled 40 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
This study investigates the effects of a novel intervention approach, intentionally sequencing aerobic exercise immediately prior to therapy sessions (i.e., cognitive behavioral therapy \[CBT\]) to determine its effects on both specific and common factors underlying the antidepressant effect of CBT (i.e., mechanisms of CBT). To assess the utility of this treatment augmentation, investigators plan to conduct a randomized controlled trial involving 40 adults with Major Depressive Disorder who will watch a nature documentary while either resting quietly (termed 'CalmCBT') or exercising at a moderate intensity ('ActiveCBT') immediately prior to 8 weekly sessions of CBT. It is hypothesized that target CBT mechanisms of antidepressant action (i.e., self-reported working alliance and behavioral activation) will be more effectively engaged by ActiveCBT vs. CalmCBT.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
Participants will complete a standardized 30-minute aerobic exercise session on a stationary bicycle prior to therapy. Supervised exercise sessions will consist of steady-state exercise at a moderate intensity corresponding to a '13' or 'somewhat hard' rating of perceived exertion. Continuous monitoring of heart rate, resistance/load, and RPE will occur throughout exercise. To closely match the groups, participants will also view 30-minute nature videos while exercising.
Participants will view one of 8 standardized 30-minute nature videos while resting quietly prior to therapy. These are emotionally neutral videos and will allow for participants in both groups to have the same amount of attention and contact time.