Yoga vs. depression: no meds, just mats
NCT ID NCT06091527
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether yoga alone can reduce symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression. 180 adults with depression will either take 90-minute yoga classes or attend health education classes twice a week for 12 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in depression and stress levels to see if yoga is an effective standalone treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- yoga practice
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a drug-free option for managing mild-to-moderate depression.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial. Yoga may not work for everyone, and results may not apply to severe depression or those on medication.
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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Oct 2024
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2026
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 years and older
- 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.
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: * 18 years of age or older * Able to give voluntary, informed consent * English-speaking * Diagnosis of clinical depression Exclusion criteria: * Current use of antidepressant medication * Current engagement in psychotherapy * Current pregnancy * Significant medical issues interfering with yoga practice
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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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Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital
RECRUITINGSan Francisco, California, 94110, United States
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