Physical activity as a treatment for depression: the TREAD randomised trial protocol

Area of Science:

• Clinical psychology
• General practice
• Public health

Background:

• Depression is a leading cause of GP consultations in the UK.
• While antidepressants are effective, patients and clinicians seek alternative or adjunctive treatments.
• Physical activity shows potential as a non-pharmacological intervention for depression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the protocol for a randomised controlled trial (RCT).
• To evaluate a facilitated physical activity intervention for depression in primary care.
• To assess physical activity as a treatment for depression within the NHS context.

Main Methods:

• Pragmatic, multi-centre, two-arm RCT (TREAD study) targeting new episodes of depression.
• Inclusion criteria: age 18-69, recent GP consultation for depression, <1 month antidepressant use, confirmed diagnosis (CIS-R), BDI score ≥14.
• Randomisation to usual GP care or usual GP care plus facilitated physical activity.

Main Results:

• Primary outcome: depression symptoms (BDI) at 4 months post-randomisation.
• Secondary outcomes: quality of life, physical activity engagement, antidepressant use/adherence at 4, 8, and 12 months.
• Analysis: intention-to-treat (ITT) using linear and logistic regression.

Conclusions:

• The TREAD trial will provide evidence on the effectiveness of physical activity for depression.
• Findings will inform treatment options for patients, clinicians, and policymakers.
• The study addresses the need for evidence on physical activity interventions in primary care for depression.