Effects of Aerobic Exercise Modulation on Brain Physiology and Cognition in Young Adults With Depression

Effects of Aerobic Exercise Modulation on Brain Physiology and Cognition

Major depressive depression (MDD) affects a quarter of young adults and is associated with marked global burden in this population. Recently, growing literature has shown that cognitive dysfunction is common in young adults with depression. There is a vast amount of evidence indicating aerobic exercise has positive effects on cognitive function in healthy as well as in subjects with depression. The results might be dependent on neuroplastic changes induced by aerobic exercise. Nevertheless, the neurocognitive mechanisms of aerobic exercise in young adults with depression has not received systematic investigation. In addition, the association between the underlying brain physiology and cognitive performance has not been explored so far. In this project, the investigators aim to explore the relevance of a single session of aerobic exercise for human brain physiology and the impact of respective physiological effects on cognitive processes in young adults with depression.

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Depression
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Aerobic exercise

Detailed Description

The study are interested in the physiological foundation of the impact of aerobic exercise on cognitive performance in youth MDD subjects. Combined application of neurophysiological intervention and recording tools, including non-invasive brain stimulation, is suited to explore the impact of aerobic exercise on brain physiology and cognition in humans. We will apply transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to obtain evoked potentials with electromyography (EMG) to explore cortical excitability. In the same participants, we will combine motor learning, working memory, and attention task to explore the association between the physiological effect of aerobic exercise and respective cognitive alterations. This project aims to explore the impact of aerobic exercise on cortical excitability and cognitive performance, and the association between these phenomena in youth MDD subjects. The study will improve our understanding of the role of aerobic exercise in cortical excitability, an important physiological basis for cognitive processes in humans, the underlying physiological mechanisms with regard to the aerobic exercise, and their functional relevance in youth MDD subjects.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Anticipated): 40
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Kuo Hsiao-I, PhD; Phone Number: 02-33668137; Email: hikuo@ntu.edu.tw

Study Locations

• Taiwan
  • Taipei, Taiwan, 100
    • Recruiting
    • National Taiwan University Hospital
    • Contact: Kuo Hsiao-I, MDPHD; Phone Number: 02-33668137; Email: hikuo@ntu.edu.tw

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 20 years to 35 years (Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No
• Genders Eligible for Study: All

Description

Inclusion criteria

1. Diagnosis of major depressive disorder by a board-certified psychiatrist according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition
2. Total score of the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) less than 7
3. Aged between 18 to 35 years
4. Right handedness

Exclusion criteria

1. A major depressive episode within the past three months
2. Pacemaker or deep brain stimulation
3. Metal implants in the head or neck area
4. Other major mental disorders including autism spectrum disorders, mental retardation, psychotic disorders, bipolar disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and neurocognitive disorders
5. Alcohol or other illicit substance abuse
6. Neurological diseases involving the central nervous system
7. Major debilitating systemic diseases
8. Pregnancy
9. Breast feeding
10. Cigarette smoker
11. Color blindness
12. Take part in another study within the last 4 weeks

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Crossover Assignment
• Masking: Double

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Aerobic exercise; aerobic exercise for 30 mins	Other: Aerobic exercise; aerobic exercise
No Intervention: Control; sitting for 30 mins

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Cortical excitability	TMS measurment	4 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Cognitive task	Serial reaction time task, 3-back letter task	4 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: National Taiwan University Hospital
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Kuo Hsiao-I, PHD, Assistant Professor, National Taiwan University; Principal Investigator: Kuo Hsiao-I, Assistant Professor, National Taiwan University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): May 1, 2020
• Primary Completion (Anticipated): April 1, 2023
• Study Completion (Anticipated): April 1, 2023

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: January 12, 2021
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: January 12, 2021
• First Posted (Actual): January 14, 2021

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): September 10, 2021
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: September 9, 2021
• Last Verified: May 1, 2021

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Depression; Cognition; Neurophysiology
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Behavioral Symptoms; Mental Disorders; Mood Disorders; Depression; Depressive Disorder
• Other Study ID Numbers: 201911100RIND

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No