Exercise as medicine? new trial tests workouts for depression

NCT ID NCT06989944

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether a 12-week physical activity program can reduce depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder. 110 participants are split into two groups: one continues antidepressant treatment alone, the other adds a tailored exercise routine. Researchers will measure changes in mood, brain activity, and biological markers.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: physical activity program
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, drug-free way to help manage depression symptoms.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study (110 people) looking at many different outcomes, so results may not be conclusive or widely applicable.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD) are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

major depressive disorder Motor Activity

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Pescara

Pescara, 65124, Italy
IRCCS Centro San Giovanni fi Dio Fatebenefratelli

Brescia, 25125, Italy
IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele

Milan, 20132, Italy
Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, NEUROMED

Isernia, 86077, Italy

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.