Effects of combined exercise training for adults with resistant major depression: a pilot study from the TRACE-RMD project.

Participants with resistant major depression showed significant improvement in depression severity as measured by the MADRS following 12 weeks of combined exercise training.

• MADRS score decreased with a mean difference of -8.31 (95% CI [-15.1 to -1.5], P = 0.021)
• 18 adults diagnosed with RMD participated (42.5 ± 9.9 years, 66.7% women)
• Exercise consisted of 2 supervised sessions per week for 12 weeks
• Baseline results classified participants as having moderate depression

Clinical Global Impressions Scale scores significantly decreased following the combined exercise intervention.

• CGI-S mean difference was -1.17 (95% CI [-1.92 to -0.41], P = 0.006)
• Assessment was performed pre- and post-intervention
• The intervention consisted of low-to-moderate intensity aerobic interval exercise on a bicycle and strength-resistance exercises

Functional disability as measured by the Sheehan Disability Scale significantly improved after the exercise intervention.

• SDS score decreased with a mean difference of -5.46 (95% CI [-10.8 to -0.12], P = 0.046)
• Sample size was 18 adults with resistant major depression
• This represents a clinically meaningful reduction in disability

Multiple domains of health-related quality of life measured by the Short Form-36 significantly improved following the intervention.

• General health improved with a mean difference of 13.8 (95% CI [2.9-24.8], P = 0.017)
• Vitality improved with a mean difference of 10.4 (95% CI [0.26-20.5], P = 0.045)
• Social functioning improved with a mean difference of 25.9 (95% CI [8.1-43.7], P = 0.008)
• Mental component summary improved with a mean difference of 6.9 (95% CI [1.1-12.8], P = 0.024)

No significant changes were observed in body composition, main cardiorespiratory fitness physiological variables, or biochemical profile following the 12-week exercise intervention.

• All non-significant comparisons had P > 0.05
• A symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise peak test was performed to evaluate CRF
• All variables were assessed pre- and post-intervention
• Baseline results classified participants as metabolically unhealthy with overweight/obesity and low CRF

At baseline, participants with resistant major depression were classified as metabolically unhealthy with overweight/obesity, moderate depression, and low cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life.

• Sample included 18 adults (42.5 ± 9.9 years, 66.7% women)
• Participants had been diagnosed with resistant major depression
• Baseline CRF was described as low
• Baseline depression severity was described as moderate