Exercise may alter Depression-Related brain chemicals, small trial hints
NCT ID NCT07062783
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 06, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether breathing exercises and aerobic exercise can change levels of certain brain and inflammation markers in people with major depression. Forty adults diagnosed with depression will do daily breathing and aerobic exercises for three weeks. Researchers will measure biomarkers linked to neuron health and inflammation to see if exercise has an effect.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- breathing exercises and aerobic exercise
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward exercise as a way to improve brain health and reduce inflammation in depression.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study measuring biomarkers, not clinical outcomes. Results may not lead to a treatment or apply to everyone with depression.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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40 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Aug 2024
- Finished
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Sep 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 40 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Individuals who volunteer to participate in the study, * Between the ages of 18 and 40, * Have been diagnosed with clinical depression by a psychiatrist according to DSM-5 criteria Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with chronic conditions accompanying depression, * Those with walking difficulties * Those with respiratory system disorders
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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
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Kutahya Health Sciences University
Kütahya, Merkez, 43020, Turkey (Türkiye)
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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