Internet-delivered therapist-guided physical activity for mild to moderate depression: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: The main hypothesis, and the objective of the study, was to test if the participants allocated to the treatment group would show a larger reduction in depressive symptoms than those in the control group. Methods: This study was a randomized nine week trial of an Internet-administered treatment based on guided physical exercise forMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD). A total of 48 participants with mild to moderate depression, diagnosed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, were randomized either to a treatment intervention or to a waiting-list control group. The main outcome measure for depression was the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and physical activity level was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The treatment program consisted of nine text modules, and included therapist guidance on a weekly basis. Results: The results showed significant reductions of depressive symptoms in the treatment group compared to the control group, with a moderate between-group effect size (Cohen's d = 0:67; 95% confidence interval: 0.09-1.25). No difference was found between the groups with regards to increase of physical activity level. For the treatment group, the reduction in depressive symptoms persisted at six months follow-up. Conclusions: Physical activity as a treatment for depression can be delivered in the formof guided Internet-based self-help. Trial Registration: The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01573130). © 2013 Ström et al.