Exercise as medicine: new trial tests whether walking can lift depression
NCT ID NCT06450704
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether adding a 12-week exercise program (daily walking plus two weekly combined aerobic and strength sessions) to standard antidepressant treatment can improve depression symptoms in 124 adults with major depressive disorder. Researchers will also use brain scans and blood tests to understand how exercise might reduce inflammation and change brain function. The goal is to see if exercise is a safe, effective add-on therapy for depression.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
physical exercise (walking and combined aerobic and strength sessions)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a drug-free add-on treatment for major depression that reduces symptoms and improves daily function.
What could go wrong
This is a mid-sized early study, not a large phase 3 trial. Results may not apply to all depression patients, and some may not stick with the exercise program.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Hospital Universitario La Paz
RECRUITINGMadrid, Madrid, 28046, Spain
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias
RECRUITINGAlcalá de Henares, Madrid, 28805, Spain
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda
RECRUITINGMajadahonda, Madrid, 28222, Spain
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal
RECRUITINGMadrid, Madrid, 28034, Spain
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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Hospital Universitario de La Princesa
RECRUITINGMadrid, Madrid, 28006, Spain
Contact Email: •••••@•••••