Abstract
BackgroundModerate to vigorous endurance and strength-training exercise was suggested as a treatment option for major depression. However, there is little evidence to support this suggestion in adolescent patients. The present study investigates the effects of a whole-body vibration strength-training intervention on symptoms in medication-naïve adolescent inpatients experiencing a major depressive episode. Potential underlying endocrinological and neurobiological mechanisms are explored.Methods/designA double-blinded randomized controlled trial is conducted at the University Hospital of Cologne in Germany, comparing a 6-week, whole-body vibration strength-training with a 6-week placebo-intervention, as add-on therapy to inpatient treatment as usual. Forty-one subjects (13–18 years of age) will be included in each of the two groups. The study is powered to detect (α = .05, β = .2) a medium effect size difference between the two groups (d = .5) in terms of patients’ change in the Children’s Depression Rating Scale raw-score, from baseline until the end of the intervention. As secondary endpoints, the effects of exercise treatment on patients’ cortisol awakening response as well as on brain-derived neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factor 1 and inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein) serum levels will be assessed.DiscussionThis study will provide evidence on the effectiveness of whole-body vibration strength-training as an add-on therapy in adolescent inpatients experiencing a major depressive episode. After completion of data collection, the present study will be the largest randomized controlled trial so far to investigate the effectiveness of an exercise intervention in inpatient adolescents suffering from a major depressive episode. Moreover, the present study may help to determine the underlying mechanisms of potential anti-depressant effects of exercise in depressed adolescent inpatients.Trial registrationDRKS.de, German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), Identifier: DRKS00011772. Registered on 20 March 2017.
Highlights
Moderate to vigorous endurance and strength-training exercise was suggested as a treatment option for major depression
This study will provide evidence on the effectiveness of whole-body vibration strength-training as an add-on therapy in adolescent inpatients experiencing a major depressive episode
After completion of data collection, the present study will be the largest randomized controlled trial so far to investigate the effectiveness of an exercise intervention in inpatient adolescents suffering from a major depressive episode
Summary
Moderate to vigorous endurance and strength-training exercise was suggested as a treatment option for major depression. It increases the likelihood of recurrence and chronicity in adulthood [6, 7]. It is frequently accompanied by a wide range of psychiatric and somatic comorbidities [8,9,10,11] and typically leads to substantial impairment in social [12] and cognitive functioning [13], as well as in scholastic and vocational performances [13, 14]. The increased risk for suicide makes depression the third leading cause of death among adolescents worldwide [15]
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