Experiencing depression? Between 16 and 24? Exercise may help!

The purpose of our study is to examine if moderate or intense exercise is an effective treatment in depressed youth, and if so, if one provides a greater benefit than the other. We’d also like to better understand the changes that occur in the brain as a result of aerobic exercise – also known as cardio exercise. Participants aged 16-24 years will be randomized into either a moderate or high intensity exercise group in which they will be required to attend a guided cardio-based session at the hospital 3 times per week for a total of 12 consecutive weeks. Each session will last ~45 min. We will also ask you to come in for three additional visits before beginning the exercise program so that we can perform several assessments. During the first visit, you would meet with a clinician or researcher and carry out a psychiatric interview, self-report questionnaires, and undergo a baseline physical fitness assessment. This visit is expected to last ~3hrs. Within 1 week of this visit, you will return 2 more times so that we can measure your brain activity and structure using two common, non-invasive methods. The first is called EEG – it involves placing sensors on your head to measure brain electrical activity. You will be asked to complete a few computerized tasks while connected to the EEG. This will last ~1.5 hr. On a separate day, we will also measure your brain structure and function using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). You will be asked to complete a few computerized tasks similar to the EEG session while inside the MRI machine. This visit will last ~ 2 hr. All of these visits will be repeated at the end of the 12 week exercise program. You will also be asked to come for another brief visit after the half-way point, at week 6, to again meet with a researcher or clinician, and repeat a few questionnaires. All testing will be carried out at the Royal Ottawa Hospital on Carling Avenue. Your data will be kept private and confidential, and you have the right to withdraw from the study without penalty at any time. Lastly, you will be paid up to a maximum total of $210 CDN for your time and effort according to the number of experimental sessions attended. If interested, please email brainlab@theroyal.ca or 613-722-6521 extension 6254.