Exercise as medicine: new trial tests whether walking can lift depression

NCT ID NCT06450704

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Fundación de Investigación Biomédica - Hospital Universitario de La Princesa Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Inflammation inflammatory disease major depressive disorder Motor Activity

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hospital Universitario La Paz
RECRUITING

Madrid, Madrid, 28046, Spain
Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias
RECRUITING

Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, 28805, Spain
Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda
RECRUITING

Majadahonda, Madrid, 28222, Spain
Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal
RECRUITING

Madrid, Madrid, 28034, Spain
Hospital Universitario de La Princesa
RECRUITING

Madrid, Madrid, 28006, Spain

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