Exercise-priming of CBT for Depression: the CBT+ Trial
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Summary
This study investigates the effects of intentionally sequencing aerobic exercise immediately prior to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to determine its effects on mechanisms of CBT (i.e., working alliance, behavioral activation). To assess the utility of this treatment augmentation, investigators will conduct a randomized controlled trial involving 100 adults with Major Depressive Disorder who will watch a nature documentary while either resting quietly ( 'CalmCBT') or exercising at a moderate intensity ('ActiveCBT') immediately prior to 8 weekly sessions of CBT.
Description
The overall goals of this project are to examine the efficacy of exercise priming (i.e., intentional sequencing of aerobic exercise immediately prior to cognitive behavioral therapy \['ActiveCBT'\]) to treat depression. Specific aims are to 1) demonstrate the effects of exercise priming on mechanisms associated with therapy success (i.e., working alliance, behavioral activation) and 2) determine the efficacy of exercise priming for treatment of depression and strength of relationship with engagement of target CBT mechanisms. The primary outcomes of this trial are participant-rated working al…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * a diagnosis of DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5) MDD, confirmed via Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID) * current depressive symptoms of at least mild severity defined by a Hamilton Rating Scale of Depression (using the GRID-HAMD) score greater than or equal to 8 * EITHER not currently take any mental health medications or use other mental health treatment (e.g., behavioral, psychological) OR be on a stable mental health medication and/or treatment regimen for the past 8 weeks, and encouraged to maintain that regimen for the durat…
Interventions
- BehavioralRest
30 minutes of rest while watching a nature documentary before cognitive behavioral therapy
- BehavioralAerobic Activity
30 minutes of aerobic activity before cognitive behavioral therapy, while watching the same nature documentary the CalmCBT group watches.
Location
- University of WisconsinMadison, Wisconsin