Research Impact: This 16-week single-arm trial piloted the moderate-intensity resistance exercise training (RET) arm of our ongoing NIMH-funded confirmatory efficacy trial. 10/98 adults screened met SCID criteria for current Major Depressive Disorder. Nine of 10 enrolled participants completed all visits; compliance was 93% (7,684/8,220 sets). Remission was 33.3%, 88.9%, and 88.9% at eight, 16, and 26 weeks, respectively. Clinician-rated severity (HAM-D) decreased by 0.35SD, 0.84SD, and 1.28SD at midpoint, post-intervention, and follow-up, respectively, corresponding to 3-6 point reductions; 2-3 points typically indicate clinically significant treatment. Cerebrovascular measures improved across RET, with trivial-to-moderate associations between changes in depression and changes in cerebrovascular function.
Meyer JD, Perkins SL, Gidley JM, Kuzniar JM, Phillips LA, Lansing JE, Wade NG, Herring MP, Lefferts WK (2024). Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a theory-informed resistance exercise training single-arm intervention for Major Depression. Psychology of Sport & Exercise. (IF: 3.4; Q1 Sport Sciences; R=20/87; Decile 3) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102642
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