New Publication: Resistance Exercise Training Compared to a Low-Intensity Sham for Depressive Symptoms in Young Women with Analogue Generalised Anxiety Disorder

New research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders explores the efficacy of resistance exercise training for depressive symptoms in anxious young women.

The researchers conducted a randomised controlled trial of moderate-to-high- (~70-80% 1RM) compared to low-intensity (~20% 1RM) sham resistance exercise training for signs and symptoms in 55 young women with Analogue Generalised Anxiety Disorder. Participants completed two supervised (one-to-one) sessions per week, a two-week familiarisation, eight weeks of either moderate-to-high- or low-intensity resistance exercise training, and a four-week follow-up.

Key Findings

➡️ Both moderate-to-high- and low-intensity resistance exercise training produced large-magnitude (both Cohen’s d = 1.08) antidepressant effects that were maintained at the four-week follow-up

➡️ Although not significantly different to each other, within-condition effects of moderate-to-high-intensity appeared larger (Cohen’s d = 1.53 vs 1.04), suggesting that higher-intensity may confer additional benefits

➡️ The large increase in strength was not associated with change in depressive symptoms, and may not be required for antidepressant benefits

➡️ High attendance and compliance in both groups (all >90%) suggests strong acceptability, feasibility, and tolerability among anxious young women

Low-intensity resistance exercise training, which required substantially lower physical effort, produced large, clinically-meaningful antidepressant benefits similar to that of moderate-to-high-intensity. Although gradual progression to higher-intensity is recommended for additional health benefits, low-intensity may present lower barriers for initial engagement for individuals experiencing associated high fatigue or low motivation, while still conferring substantial antidepressant benefits.

The research team acknowledges Darragh O’Sullivan, co-lead investigator Jen Rice, doctoral supervisors Matthew P. Herring, Mark Lyons, and Brett Gordon, and Research Ireland for funding this work.

Citation

Darragh O’Sullivan, Jennifer M. Rice, Mark Lyons, Brett R. Gordon, Matthew P. Herring,
Resistance exercise training compared to a low-intensity sham for depressive symptoms in young women with analogue generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized controlled trial,
Journal of Affective Disorders, Volume 413, 2026, 122228, ISSN 0165-0327.

Read the Full Publication

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0165032726010815?via%3Dihub