Effects of resistance training on depression and cardiovascular disease risk in black men: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

This study will be the first randomized controlled trial to test the effects of RT on depression and cardiovascular health in a sample of depressed Black men.Method/Design: Fifty Black men with clinically significant symptoms of depression will be randomized to either (a) a 12-week RT or (b) an attention-control group. Behavioral Activation techniques will be used to support adherence to home-based RT goals. Both groups will meet on-site twice/week during the 12-week program, and follow-up assessments will occur at the end-of-treatment and 3 months post-treatment. Qualitative interviews will be conducted after the 3-month follow-up. The objectives of this study are (1) to assess the feasibility and acceptability of recruitment, retention, and intervention procedures, (2) to obtain preliminary evidence of efficacy, and (3) to explore potential mediators of the effects of RT on depression.DiscussionThis study will advance the field of minority men's health by producing new data on the effects of RT for depression, the potential mechanisms of action that may support its use, and its effects on markers of CVD risk in Black men.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03107039);
Source: Mental Health and Physical Activity - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research