Expanding First-line Options for Depression and Matching Treatments to Patients: Hatha Yoga vs. Behavioral Therapy

Description

This is a parallel group study design. The investigators propose to compare an online, synchronous group-based yoga intervention developed for individuals with depression to an online, synchronous individualized, evidence-based behavioral therapy for depression, or Brief Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression (BA). This study is a multi-site randomized trial of adults with clinically significant depressive symptoms. Participants (N=518) will be randomized in an equal allocation ratio (i.e., 1:1) across two intervention groups: yoga and BA. Interventions will be provided over a 12-week period and assessments will occur at baseline (week 0), week 6, week 12, week 18, and week 24.

Conditions

Depression

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

This is a parallel group study design. The investigators propose to compare an online, synchronous group-based yoga intervention developed for individuals with depression to an online, synchronous individualized, evidence-based behavioral therapy for depression, or Brief Behavioral Activation Treatment for Depression (BA). This study is a multi-site randomized trial of adults with clinically significant depressive symptoms. Participants (N=518) will be randomized in an equal allocation ratio (i.e., 1:1) across two intervention groups: yoga and BA. Interventions will be provided over a 12-week period and assessments will occur at baseline (week 0), week 6, week 12, week 18, and week 24.

COMPARE: Expanding First-line Options for Depression and Matching Treatments to Patients: Hatha Yoga vs. Behavioral Therapy

Expanding First-line Options for Depression and Matching Treatments to Patients: Hatha Yoga vs. Behavioral Therapy

Condition
Depression
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Boston

Antonietta Alvarez Hernandez, Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02114

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • 1. Aged 18 years old or older
  • 2. Depressive symptoms at study entry (PHQ-9≥10)
  • 3. Provides informed consent
  • 4. Able to read and understand English or Spanish.
  • 5. Live in NC, MA, MN, or RI
  • 6. Has a healthcare provider (a primary care provider, clinic, or mental health care provider) whom the participant could contact if medical care were needed
  • 1. PHQ-9 \> 20
  • 2. A bone fracture or joint surgery in the past 6 months
  • 3. Unable to walk
  • 4. Severe heart failure or lung disease
  • 5. Had a healthcare provider tell them it is unsafe to exercise
  • 6. Currently pregnant
  • 7. Are already engaged in study interventions (i.e., engaged in yoga practice or psychotherapy more than once in the past 4 weeks or has an intake scheduled for psychotherapy in the next 4 weeks).
  • 8. Have active suicidal thinking (i.e., PHQ-9 item 9 ≥1 and a positive response to CSSR-S screener items 3, 4, 5, or 6 \[Past 3 months\])
  • 9. Are currently experiencing manic symptoms (Altman Self-Rating Mania Scale score ≥ 6)
  • 10. Unable to complete study procedures (i.e., attend yoga classes, BA sessions)

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Massachusetts General Hospital,

Louisa Sylvia, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Massachusetts General Hospital

Lisa Uebelacker, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Butler Hospital

Study Record Dates

2026-05-01