Influence of resistance training volume on the reduction of depressive symptoms and indicators of self-efficacy in the exercise program in adults with major depressive disorder: a randomized clinical study.

• Grant number: 24/18521-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Fabrício Eduardo Rossi
• Grantee: Jessenia Marise Sales Campos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mental health condition that affects over 280 million people worldwide, characterized by persistent sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest, making it highly debilitating. Although conventional treatments, such as antidepressant medications and psychotherapy, are widely used, many patients do not respond adequately to these approaches. Therefore, non-pharmacological strategies, such as resistance training (RT), have been increasingly explored for their potential to reduce depressive symptoms. However, there are still gaps in the literature regarding the effects of total volume (TV) of RT in reducing depressive symptoms. Thus, this study aims to investigate the influence of resistance training volume on the reduction of depressive symptoms and indicators of self-efficacy in the exercise program for adults with major depressive disorder.The study will include at least 75 adults diagnosed with MDD, who will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a high-volume RT group (HV, n=25) performing 4 sets of 10-12 repetitions at maximum load, a low-volume RT group (LV, n=25) performing 2 sets of 10-12 repetitions at maximum load, and a no-exercise control group (n=25). The program will last 10 weeks, with 2 weeks of familiarization and 8 weeks of load progression, consisting of three weekly training sessions on non-consecutive days. The Portuguese version of the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) will be administered by a psychiatrist to assess the reduction of depressive symptoms, and the Physical Exercise Self-Efficacy (PESE) scale will be used to measure exercise program self-efficacy.Body composition will be assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and dietary intake will be controlled through a 24-hour food recall. Additionally, a 10-repetition maximum test will be conducted on the leg press. Pre- and post-training assessments will be conducted to monitor and measure adaptations resulting from the RT program. To compare variables between the groups throughout the intervention, a two-way analysis of variance (group x time) will be performed, with the significance level set at p<0.05. It is expected that both training volumes will reduce depressive symptoms; however, the lower-volume protocol may enhance the patient's self-efficacy within the exercise program. Understanding the effects of RT volume is essential for evaluating its potential antidepressant effects, as well as for enabling health professionals to design effective exercise programs that meet the needs of this population.