CClinicalTrials.gg
Status unknownNCT01619930Updated Nov 1, 2016

The Effects of Behavioral Activation and Physical Exercise on Depression

An interventional study of Physical activity without motivational interviewing and Physical exercise with motivational interviewing in Depression, sponsored by Umeå University. Status unknown at 1 site in Sweden. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2016-11-01.

Sponsored by Umeå University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

The sponsor has not verified this record recently (last verified Oct 2016), so the status shown — last known as Active, not recruiting — may be out of date.
Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
319
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years and older
Sex
All
01

Study summary

The purpose of this study is to compare an internet-based behavioral activation program with a physical activation program, as treatments for mild to moderate depression. The added effect of rationale and motivational interviewing will also be studied, as well as the effects of relapse prevention program.

Read the detailed description

BACKGROUND:

Despite their potential as low-threshold, low-cost and high-flexibility treatments of depression, behavioural activation and physical exercise have not yet been directly compared. This study will examine the effects of these interventions, administered via the Internet. The added effect of providing a treatment rationale will also be studied, as well as a relapse prevention program featuring cognitive behavioural therapy components.

METHODS/DESIGN:

This randomised controlled trial will include 500 participants meeting the diagnostic criteria for major depression, recruited in multiple cycles and randomised to either a waiting list control group with delayed treatment, or one of the four treatment groups: (1) physical exercise without a clear treatment rationale; (2) physical exercise with treatment rationale; (3) behavioural activation with treatment rationale; or (4) behavioural activation without a clear treatment rationale. Post treatment, half of the participants will be offered a relapse prevention program. Primary outcome measure will be the Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item. Secondary measures include diagnostic criteria for depression, as well as self-reported anxiety, physical activity and quality of life. Measurements - done via telephone and the Internet - will be collected pre-treatment, weekly during treatment period, immediately post treatment and then monthly during a 24-month follow-up period.

DISCUSSION:

The results of this study will constitute an important contribution to the body of knowledge of the respective interventions.

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Conditions studied

  • Depression

Keywords

  • Depression
  • Behavioral activation
03

In context

Depression

8,057 studies on the registry are indexed under Depression; 1,641 are open to participants now.

This study's planned enrollment of 319 is above the median of 84 across 6,720 interventional studies indexed under Depression.

Browse Depression studies →

Lead sponsor

Umeå University is the lead sponsor of 263 studies on the registry; 60 are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

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Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years and older
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

  • Satisfy DSM-IV (or DSM-V) criteria for depression, with depression being primary diagnosis
  • Scoring within the interval 15-35 on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)
  • Living in Sweden and being able to read Swedish
  • Access to computer with internet connection

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Currently receiving other psychological treatment
  • Non-stable use of psychoactive medication
  • Deemed to suffer from a too severe depression
  • Deemed to suffer from other psychological disorder, e.g. psychosis, bipolarity etc.
05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
319 participants (estimated)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    1a

    In phase 1, group 1 undergoes physical activation without added motivation interviewing. Post-treatment (phase 2), group 1 is divided by randomization into group 1a and 1b, where 1a receives relapse prevention and 1b does not. Both 1a and 1b undergo post-treatment measurements as previously described. n = 50 + 12 = 62 (50 from group 1 + 12 from waiting list control group)

    Behavioral: Physical activity without motivational interviewing

  • Experimental
    1b

    In phase 1, group 1 undergoes physical activation without added motivation interviewing. Post-treatment (phase 2), group 1 is divided by randomization into group 1a and 1b, where 1a receives relapse prevention and 1b does not. Both 1a and 1b undergo post-treatment measurements as previously described. n = 50 + 12 = 62 (50 from group 1 + 12 from waiting list control group)

    Behavioral: Physical activity without motivational interviewing

  • Experimental
    2a

    In phase 1, group 2 undergoes physical activation with added motivation interviewing. Post-treatment (phase 2), group 2 is divided by randomization into group 2a and 2b, where 2a receives relapse prevention and 2b does not. Both 2a and 2b undergo post-treatment measurements as previously described. n = 50 + 12 = 62 (50 from group 2 + 12 from waiting list control group)

    Behavioral: Physical exercise with motivational interviewing

  • Experimental
    2b

    In phase 1, group 2 undergoes physical activation with added motivation interviewing. Post-treatment (phase 2), group 2 is divided by randomization into group 2a and 2b, where 2a receives relapse prevention and 2b does not. Both 2a and 2b undergo post-treatment measurements as previously described. n = 50 + 12 = 62 (50 from group 2 + 12 from waiting list control group)

    Behavioral: Physical exercise with motivational interviewing

  • Experimental
    3a

    In phase 1, group 3 undergoes behavioral activation with added motivation interviewing. Post-treatment (phase 2), group 3 is divided by randomization into group 3a and 3b, where 3a receives relapse prevention and 3b does not. Both 3a and 3b undergo post-treatment measurements as previously described. n = 50 + 12 = 62 (50 from group 3 + 12 from waiting list control group)

    Behavioral: Behavioral activation with rationale

  • Experimental
    3b

    In phase 1, group 3 undergoes behavioral activation with added motivation interviewing. Post-treatment (phase 2), group 3 is divided by randomization into group 3a and 3b, where 3a receives relapse prevention and 3b does not. Both 3a and 3b undergo post-treatment measurements as previously described. n = 50 + 12 = 62 (50 from group 3 + 12 from waiting list control group)

    Behavioral: Behavioral activation with rationale

  • Experimental
    4a

    In phase 1, group 4 undergoes behavioral activation without added motivation interviewing. Post-treatment (phase 2), group 4 is divided by randomization into group 4a and 4b, where 4a receives relapse prevention and 4b does not. Both 4a and 4b undergo post-treatment measurements as previously described. n = 50 + 12 = 62 (50 from group 4 + 12 from waiting list control group)

    Behavioral: Behavioral activation without rationale

  • Experimental
    4b

    In phase 1, group 4 undergoes behavioral activation with added motivation interviewing. Post-treatment (phase 2), group 4 is divided by randomization into group 4a and 4b, where 4a receives relapse prevention and 4b does not. Both 4a and 4b undergo post-treatment measurements as previously described. n = 50 + 12 = 62 (50 from group 4 + 12 from waiting list control group)

    Behavioral: Behavioral activation without rationale

  • No intervention
    Phase 1 Waiting list control group

    Control group during phase 1, in parallel with treatment groups 1-4. Weekly self-report measurements, the results of which are conveyed in the form of individualized feedback. After 12 weeks, the participants of the control group (n = 100) are randomized to one four phase 1 active treatment groups (1-4) and receive treatment accordingly.

Interventions

  • BehavioralPhysical activity without motivational interviewing

    Focus is on physical exercise, motivated by research findings that it has a positive effect on depressive symptoms. An individualized exercise program is constructed, to be followed by the respective participant. A user-friendly pulse watch will be mailed to participants. Exercise is monitored through online self-registration with automated feedback.

  • BehavioralPhysical exercise with motivational interviewing

    Focus is on physical exercise, motivated by research findings that it has a positive effect on depressive symptoms. An individualized exercise program is constructed, to be followed by the respective participant. A user-friendly pulse watch will be mailed to participants. Exercise is monitored through online self-registration with automated feedback. An initial motivational interview (MI) per telephone is also conducted, to explore the intrinsic motivation to change in participants.

  • BehavioralBehavioral activation with rationale

    A behavioral activation program, based on the TRAP-TRAC model according to which suffering individuals are trapped in a vicious circle of avoidance and ever fewer reinforcers, leading to increasing discomfort. To break free of this vicious circle, patients have to replace avoidance patterns with alternative coping strategies. Unlike previous applications of this program done in the U.S., this study will feature an internet-based administration. Approximately 15 minutes of electronic therapist support will be included per week.

  • BehavioralBehavioral activation without rationale

    A behavioral activation program without TRAP-TRAC rationale, but with some encouragement provided ("Activate yourself and feel better!"). Approximately 15 minutes of electronic therapist support will be included per week.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Change from baseline in Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

    The PHQ-9 is the nine item depression scale of the Patient Health Questionnaire. The PHQ-9 is a powerful tool for assisting primary care clinicians in diagnosing depression as well as selecting and monitoring treatment. The PHQ-9 is based directly on the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fourth Edition (DSM-IV).

    Time frame: Weekly during treatment period of 12 weeks

  2. Change from baseline in Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

    The PHQ-9 is the nine item depression scale of the Patient Health Questionnaire. The PHQ-9 is a powerful tool for assisting primary care clinicians in diagnosing depression as well as selecting and monitoring treatment. The PHQ-9 is based directly on the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fourth Edition (DSM-IV).

    Time frame: 24 hours

  3. Change from baseline in Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

    The PHQ-9 is the nine item depression scale of the Patient Health Questionnaire. The PHQ-9 is a powerful tool for assisting primary care clinicians in diagnosing depression as well as selecting and monitoring treatment. The PHQ-9 is based directly on the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fourth Edition (DSM-IV).

    Time frame: 12 months

  4. Change from baseline in Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

    The PHQ-9 is the nine item depression scale of the Patient Health Questionnaire. The PHQ-9 is a powerful tool for assisting primary care clinicians in diagnosing depression as well as selecting and monitoring treatment. The PHQ-9 is based directly on the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fourth Edition (DSM-IV).

    Time frame: 24 months

  5. Change from baseline in Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

    The PHQ-9 is the nine item depression scale of the Patient Health Questionnaire. The PHQ-9 is a powerful tool for assisting primary care clinicians in diagnosing depression as well as selecting and monitoring treatment. The PHQ-9 is based directly on the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Fourth Edition (DSM-IV).

    Time frame: Monthly, 0-24 months

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change from baseline in Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)

    7-item screening form for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

    Time frame: 24 hours

  2. Change from baseline in Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)

    7-item screening form for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

    Time frame: 12 months

  3. Change from baseline in Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)

    7-item screening form for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

    Time frame: 24 months

  4. Change from baseline in Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7)

    7-item screening form for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

    Time frame: Monthly, 0-24 months

  5. Change from baseline in the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)

    The International Physical Activity Questionnaire is a measure of physical activity.

    Time frame: 24 hours

  6. Change from baseline in the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)

    The International Physical Activity Questionnaire is a measure of physical activity.

    Time frame: 12 months

  7. Change from baseline in the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)

    The International Physical Activity Questionnaire is a measure of physical activity.

    Time frame: 24 months

  8. Change from baseline in Quality Of Life Inventory (QOLI)

    The QOLI assessment yields an overall score and a profile of problems and strengths in 16 areas of life such as love, work and play. The QOLI test is a measure of positive psychology and positive mental health.

    Time frame: 24 hours

  9. Change from baseline in Quality Of Life Inventory (QOLI)

    The QOLI assessment yields an overall score and a profile of problems and strengths in 16 areas of life such as love, work and play. The QOLI test is a measure of positive psychology and positive mental health.

    Time frame: 12 months

  10. Change from baseline in Quality Of Life Inventory (QOLI)

    The QOLI assessment yields an overall score and a profile of problems and strengths in 16 areas of life such as love, work and play. The QOLI test is a measure of positive psychology and positive mental health.

    Time frame: 24 months

  11. Change from baseline in MINI

    The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview is a short, structured interview designed for clinicians to diagnose axel I DSM-IV and ICD-10 disorders.

    Time frame: Monthly, 0-24 months

07

Study locations

1 site
  • Department of Psychology, Umeå University
    Umeå, Västerbotten 90181, Sweden
08

References and documents

Publications

  • Carlbring P, Lindner P, Martell C, Hassmen P, Forsberg L, Strom L, Andersson G. The effects on depression of Internet-administered behavioural activation and physical exercise with treatment rationale and relapse prevention: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials. 2013 Feb 2;14:35. doi: 10.1186/1745-6215-14-35. PubMed 23374879 ↗
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Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Nov 1, 2016, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
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Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT01619930
Lead sponsor
Umeå University
Responsible party
Per Carlbring, PhD (Professor, Umeå University) — Principal investigator
First posted
Jun 14, 2012
Start date
Aug 2012
Primary completion
Jan 2017 (estimated)
Completion
May 2018 (estimated)
Last update
Nov 1, 2016

Study contacts

Per Carlbring, Professor
principal investigator · Department of Psychology, Umeå University

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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