Depression breakthrough? study tests if simple activity lifts energy
NCT ID NCT07059234
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study explores whether increasing non-exercise activity—like walking to the store or doing chores—can improve energy levels in people with major depression. Researchers will use smartphone prompts and activity trackers to encourage small movements throughout the day. The goal is to see if this personalized approach can reduce depressive symptoms and prevent relapse.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- non-exercise activity encouragement via digital micro-interventions
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a simple, personalized digital tool to help people with depression feel more energetic and reduce symptoms.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage study with only 180 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The intervention is behavioral and effects may be small or short-lived.
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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About 180 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- 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 60 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Sufficient knowledge of the German language * Written informed consent. * Score \> 15 on the Montgomery Asberg Depression rating scale (MADRS) for MDD group. * Remission within the past year and exhibit a MADRS score \< 10 for at least one month for rMDD group Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy at baseline * Claustrophobia * Pacemaker * Artificial heart valves * Active implants * Other psychiatric disorders * Acute suicidality, change of medication / psychotherapy during the intervention (not dosage but substance). * For healthy participants: history of any mental health condition or first-degree relative with affective / psychotic disorder
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Bern
RECRUITINGBern, 3012, Switzerland
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