Feasibility of Resistance Exercise to Treat Major Depression Via Cerebrovascular Mechanisms

This project is a single-arm pilot trial to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and plausible efficacy of a 16-week resistance exercise training (RET) program for treatment of major depressive disorder.

Inclusion Criteria:Be diagnosed with DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) MDD confirmed via Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5Have current depressive symptoms of at least mild severity defined by a Hamilton Rating Scale of Depression score greater than or equal to 8Be ages 18-65Have not changed psychological treatments (including drugs, behavioral and psychological treatments) in the past 8 weeks and willing to maintain treatments throughout study enrollmentSafe to exercise based on Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ) responsesExclusion Criteria:Currently pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant during the studyCurrently diagnosed with a drug or alcohol use disorder (via SCID)Comorbid psychiatric conditions confirmed via SCID, with the exception of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD; due to high comorbidity)Class II or greater level of obesity (BMI greater than or equal to 35)High active suicidal ideation with specific plan and intent ('4' or '5' score on Suicidal Ideation from Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale or '3' on QIDS)Currently meets US resistance exercise recommendations per week (2 days per week) for the last 8 weeksSelf-reported prior cardiovascular event or condition, stroke or pulmonary, renal, or neurological diseaseSelf-reported diabetes mellitusSelf-reported recent (within 3 months) severe concussion, in which the individual lost consciousness for any amount of timeSelf-reported smoking/vaping