Based on the ORBIT module for behavioral intervention development, this is the first confirmatory IIc efficacy study protocol of using 16-weeks of guidelines-based moderate-to-high intensity resistance exercise training (RET) to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) among 200 adults. Participants will be randomized to 16-weeks of twice weekly guidelines-based moderate-to-high-intensity RET or a low-dose SHAM that is matches explicitly with the intervention condition aside from load. The trial will assess efficacy, based on remission, at 8, 16, 26, and 52 weeks, and will assess the mechanistic target of cerebral blood velocity and pulsatility using doppler ultrasound of the middle cerebral artery.
Meyer JD, Smith SL, Gidley JM, Molina A, Churchill SL, Kelly SJE, Lansing JE, Wade NG, Phillips AL, Liu P, Herring MP, Murray TA, Barnes JN, Goldberg SB, Lefferts WK (2025). Protocol for a randomized controlled trial of a resistance exercise training to treat major depression via cerebrovascular mechanisms (RESIST Trial). Trials, 26(1):306. (IF: 2.0; Medicine, Research & Experimental; R=125/195; Decile 7) DOI: 10.1186/s13063-025-09025-z
Matthew Herring is a Professor at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at the University of Limerick.
Contact: Email matthew.herring@ul.ie @mph8 Research profiles: Google Scholar ResearcherID ORCID SCOPUS
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