MedPath

Behavioral Activation Teletherapy to Increase Physical Activity

Not Applicable
Active, not recruiting
Conditions
Depressive Disorder
Depressive Episode
Depression
Depressive Symptoms
Interventions
Behavioral: Behavioral Activation Teletherapy
Registration Number
NCT04990401
Lead Sponsor
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Brief Summary

This is a pilot study of acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of a brief, 10-session Behavioral Activation intervention delivered via teletherapy to increase physical activity and treat depressive symptoms.

Detailed Description

This is a one-site, two-phase study that will use an initial group of individuals between the ages of 18 and 64 who have moderate to severe depressive symptoms and exercise less than 90 minutes a week. In both phases, participants will complete a total of 8 behavioral activation teletherapy sessions used to increase physical activity, followed by two biweekly booster sessions, for a total of 10 sessions. Participants will also complete weekly assessments remotely for both phases of the study. The screening visit and final intervention session will be in-person, and all other visits will be via telehealth. Participants will have the option to come to the clinic if they prefer.

In the initial phase (n = 15), participants who completed the intervention will have the option to participate in a focus group, and participants who partially completed the intervention will have the option to participate in a semi-structured interview. The total duration of phase one is 14 weeks. This initial phase will allow the researchers to refine and optimize the intervention to be delivered in the second phase.

In the second/pilot phase (n = 50), participants will complete a one-month and a two-month follow-up after the 10 intervention sessions. The total duration for phase two is 22 weeks.

Participants for both phases of the study will wear a Fitbit during the duration of their study participation, in order to record step count.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
65
Inclusion Criteria
  • Be18-64 years old;
  • Able and willing to provide informed consent;
  • Have moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms, with a PHQ-9 score ≥ 10;
  • Insufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (< 90 minutes a week);
  • Demonstrated interest in increasing physical activity;
  • Have a smartphone.
Exclusion Criteria
  • Have any current, past, or lifetime manic or hypomanic episode, psychosis, schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder;
  • Be currently experiencing active suicidal ideation (i.e. with suicidal thoughts, plan, and intent) or at a high risk for suicide during the course of the study, as designated by the PI;
  • Have a medical condition that prohibits physical activity; be medically prohibited to exercise by primary care physician (PCP), OB-GYN (obstetrician-gynecologist) or study MD.
  • Be in current, active psychotherapy

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Behavioral Activation TeletherapyBehavioral Activation TeletherapyAll eligible participants will be assigned to receive the behavioral activation teletherapy intervention.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Feasibility and acceptability - Screening1 week

Number of participants screened per week (Goal 1-2 per week)

Intervention AdherenceUp to 14 weeks

Percentage of intervention sessions attended (goal 75%)

Participant retentionUp to 22 weeks

Percentage of PHQ-9 assessments completed (Goal: 80%)

Participant outcome completionUp to 22 weeks

Percentage of valid Fitbit wear days \> 12 hours (Goal: 80%)

Feasibility and acceptability - Recruitment1 week

Percentage of screened participants enrolled (Goal: 50%)

Intervention Validity via Quality of Behavioral Activation Short FormUp to 14 weeks

Fidelity on supervisor's structured feedback form with average item score ≥3. The 14-item scale has each item ranging from 0-6, with higher values indicating higher levels of fidelity.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Physical activity - self-report days per weekUp to 22 weeks

Change in self-reported frequency of physical activity (days per week), analyzed using linear mixed effects modeling controlling for baseline physical activity and additional covariates

Physical activity - Fitbit step counter active minutesUp to 22 weeks

Change in objective data from Fitbit of "active minutes", using linear mixed effects modeling controlling for baseline physical activity and additional covariates

Physical activity - self-report minutes per dayUp to 22 weeks

Change in self-reported frequency of physical activity (minutes per day), analyzed using linear mixed effects modeling controlling for baseline physical activity and additional covariates

Physical activity - Fitbit step counter step countUp to 22 weeks

Change in objective data from Fitbit of "step count", using linear mixed effects modeling controlling for baseline physical activity and additional covariates

Depressive symptoms - 9-item Patient Health QuestionnaireUp to 22 weeks

Change in self-Reported Depressive Symptoms, analyzed using linear mixed effects modeling controlling for baseline depressive symptoms and additional covariates

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

🇺🇸

Dallas, Texas, United States

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath