Can a bike ride boost talk therapy for depression?
NCT ID NCT06001346
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study tested a new approach: having people with major depressive disorder do 30 minutes of moderate exercise right before a therapy session. 40 adults were split into two groups: one exercised on a stationary bike, the other watched nature videos. The goal was to see if exercise helps people connect better with their therapist and become more active in their daily lives.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- aerobic exercise
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple way to boost the effectiveness of talk therapy for depression.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 40 participants. The results may not apply to everyone, and the benefit of exercise before therapy is not yet proven.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa, 50010, United States
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