CompletedInterventional

Evaluating an exercise intervention to treat depression in young people

Depression affects around one in five young people in the UK, making school, friendships, and home life difficult. While talking therapies and medicines can help, researchers want to see if regular exercise is another good way to improve low mood and self-esteem in teenagers. In this study, young people aged 13 to 17 are placed into one of three groups: energetic exercise (such as football or dance), gentle exercise (such as walking sports), or social activities (such as board games and films). All teenagers continue to receive their normal NHS care. Sessions take place twice a week for 12 weeks at local community sports centres. They are run by qualified fitness professionals and youth mental health workers. Researchers will follow up over 26 weeks using questionnaires to check if mood, confidence, and general well-being have improved.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Hertfordshire

Enrolment target

Start

06 Oct 2020

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2021

Depression

What is this study about?

Depression in young people is a serious issue that can affect schoolwork, friendships, and everyday life. While treatments like talking therapies and medicines are available, medicines can have unwanted side effects, and waiting times for counselling can sometimes be long. Exercise is known to help adults who feel depressed, but doctors need more clear evidence to see how well it works for teenagers.

This study, called the READY trial, looks at whether taking part in regular group activities can help young people manage depression. Participants join one of three groups: energetic exercise, gentle exercise, or non-exercise social sessions like watching films or playing games. The idea is to find out whether moving more makes a noticeable difference to mental health, or whether simply meeting up with other young people provides the main benefit.

Researchers also want to find out whether exercise programmes provide good value for money for the NHS. If the results are positive, doctors and mental health services could in the future offer exercise sessions as a practical, healthy treatment choice alongside regular medical care.

Key takeaways

Tests whether group exercise helps teenagers aged 13 to 17 with mild to moderate depression.
Involves two 1-hour sessions each week for 12 weeks at a local community venue.
Participants continue all their normal GP, CAMHS, and medication care as usual.
Sessions are led by qualified fitness instructors and youth mental health support workers.
Progress and well-being are tracked through questionnaires over a 26-week period.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to young people aged 13 to 17 who are dealing with mild to moderate depression or low mood and are seeking help from their GP or Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Teenagers can still take part if they are already taking medication or having counselling. A parent or carer must also agree to be involved and fill out some simple forms.

To join, the young person must be able to travel to the local group sessions and complete questionnaires in English. They should also feel able to take part in group activities alongside other teenagers.

Young people cannot take part if a doctor has told them that physical exercise is unsafe for them. The study is also not suitable for those dealing with severe mental health crises, active psychosis, significant substance misuse, or immediate risks of self-harm, as these require different types of specialist care.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am aged between 13 and 17 years old.
I am experiencing mild to moderate low mood or depression.
I am seeking or receiving support through my GP or CAMHS.
A doctor has not told me to avoid physical exercise.
I have a parent or carer who can give consent and complete short forms.
I can travel to sessions in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, or Norfolk.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in the study lasts for about 26 weeks in total. Participants are randomly put into one of three groups: energetic exercise, gentle exercise, or a social group doing activities like board games and crafts. You will attend two 60-minute sessions each week for 12 weeks at a local sports or community centre. These sessions are run by qualified fitness coaches alongside mental health support workers.

You do not need to change your usual medication or therapy; you will keep receiving your normal NHS care throughout. At the start of the study, at week 14, and at week 26, you and your parent or carer will complete questionnaires asking about your mood, quality of life, self-esteem, and daily activity.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may help improve your mood, fitness, and confidence, and it gives you a chance to meet other young people in a supportive setting. The main physical risks are minor sports injuries, such as pulled muscles or mild sprains, though serious injuries are very rare. Filling in forms about your feelings can sometimes feel a bit upsetting, but support workers are always on hand to help. Taking part is completely voluntary, and you can stop at any time without it affecting your regular NHS healthcare.

Locations (5)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Norwich, England
Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
City only
St Albans, England
NIHR CRN: Eastern
City only
-, England
NIHR CRN: North Thames
City only
-, England
East London NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Dunstable, England

Common questions

Will this replace my current NHS treatment or therapy?

No. You will continue to receive your usual care from your GP or CAMHS, including any medicines or talking therapies you already have.

Do I need to be fit or good at sports to take part?

Not at all. The activities are designed for all fitness levels, and coaches will help you move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

What happens if I get placed in the non-exercise group?

The social group is an essential part of the study. You will take part in enjoyable activities like board games and watching films, which helps researchers see how much socialising on its own helps mood.

What support is available if I feel overwhelmed during a session?

A mental health support worker will be present at every session to listen, support you, and make sure you feel safe and comfortable.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes. You are free to leave at any time. You do not have to give a reason, and your regular medical care will not change in any way.

How to find out more

Megan Smith

m.smith25@herts.ac.uk +44 (0)1707 286472 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.