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The EmpkinS-EKSpression Reappraisal Training Augmented With Kinesthesia in Depression: One-Armed Feasibility Study
Marie Keinert1, Lena Schindler-Gmelch1, Lydia Helene Rupp1
1Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
JMIR Formative Research
|April 14, 2025
Summary
This study tested a smartphone app combining cognitive reappraisal (CR) with physical movement to improve depression treatment. The app was safe and feasible, showing potential to boost positive mood, offering a new avenue for enhancing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Area of Science:
- Psychology and Cognitive Science
- Digital Health and Intervention Technologies
- Mental Health Treatment and Therapy
Background:
- Dysfunctional cognitions are key in depression development and maintenance.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) aims to invalidate these cognitions via cognitive reappraisal (CR).
- Limitations in CBT remission and dropout rates necessitate improved therapeutic approaches, potentially integrating somatic elements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility and clinical potential of a novel smartphone-based cognitive restructuring intervention.
- The intervention combines cognitive reappraisal with antidepressive kinesthesia (physical movement).
- This study serves as a precursor to a larger randomized controlled trial.
Main Methods:
- Ten healthy participants underwent a single 90-120 minute smartphone-based CR training session.
- Participants rejected depressogenic statements and affirmed antidepressive statements, paired with kinesthesia.
- Feasibility was assessed via safety, compliance, usability (UEQ-S), and acceptability; preliminary clinical potential was evaluated using mood ratings.
Main Results:
- The training was found to be safe, feasible, and usable, though user acceptance was limited.
- Significant increases in positive mood were observed post-intervention.
- Changes in depressed mood were not statistically significant; some participants found the training repetitive.
Conclusions:
- Smartphone-based CR training augmented with kinesthesia is feasible and provides valuable data for intervention optimization.
- Preliminary findings suggest potential clinical utility in enhancing positive mood.
- Further research is warranted to confirm clinical potential and refine the intervention for broader application in depression treatment.
