Feasibility of Resistance Exercise to Treat Major Depression Via Cerebrovascular Mechanisms

Resistance exercise training (RET) is a promising but understudied approach for treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of recruiting eligible participants, enrolling them into the study, and retaining them across 16 weeks of resistance exercise training (RET) twice per week for treatment of depression. The primary aim of this study is to determine the feasibility (i.e., recruitment and enrollment rates) and acceptability (i.e., adherence rate, retention rate, and participant satisfaction) of running a larger study that would evaluate the efficacy of RET for treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Secondary aims are to implement and examine the utility of theory-informed adherence strategies (i.e.,exercise preparation habit development and ratings, commitment contracts, and intrinsic motivation reflections) for promoting adherence to exercise sessions, explore efficacy of RET for treating MDD, and explore cerebrovascular function as a potential mechanism of RET's treatment of depression. As such, investigators will recruit 10 individuals with diagnosed MDD (via the Structured Clinical Interview for Depression) and enroll participants in a 16-week RET program. Assessments of depression, cerebrovascular functioning, physical activity, and health will be completed at weeks 0, 8, 16, with a 26-week follow-up.