Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Interest of Adaptated Physical Activity (APA) on the K Recovery Constant, Reflecting the Rate of Muscle Oxygenation Recovery in Menopausal Women Suffering From Depression

This research study, called APhyDeM, is for women who are going through menopause and also have depression. We know that depression can sometimes affect how our bodies use energy at a细胞层面, especially in tiny parts of our cells called mitochondria. Exercise is known to help with this in general, but people with depression often find it hard to be active. Researchers want to find out if a guided exercise program, tailored to participants' needs, can improve how their bodies' cells work, compared to a different type of non-physical support. They will measure how quickly muscles recover oxygen after light exercise to get an idea of how well these cells are working. This study takes place in a hospital setting and will compare the exercise group to a group receiving other care.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Besancon

Enrolment target

Start

01 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

01 Nov 2028

Depression - Major Depressive Disorder Menopausal Depression

What is this study about?

This study is particularly for women who are going through menopause and are also experiencing depression. We know that both menopause and depression can bring about a lot of changes in the body and mind. One area scientists are interested in is how our cells produce energy. Inside our cells are tiny power plants called mitochondria, which are very important for keeping us healthy and energised. When these don't work as well, it can sometimes be linked to conditions like depression.

We also know that being physically active is generally good for our health, including how our cells work. However, for people dealing with depression, finding the motivation and energy to exercise can be very challenging. This study wants to explore if a specially designed, gentle exercise program, called 'adapted physical activity' (APA), can help improve how these cell power plants work in menopausal women with depression.

The researchers will compare this exercise program with a different type of care (non-physical activity support) to see if the exercise makes a difference. They'll measure how quickly muscles recover after doing a small activity – this gives them a clue about how efficiently your body is using oxygen and how well those cell power plants are working. The aim is to understand if tailored exercise could be a helpful way to support women in this situation.

Key takeaways

This study is for menopausal women with depression.
It tests if tailored exercise can help body cells use oxygen better.
Participation involves either an exercise program or other support.
You'll continue your current depression treatment.
Study measurements involve gentle activity and a special sensor.
You can leave the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for women who are going through menopause and are at least 40 years old. You would need to have been diagnosed with depression by a doctor and also score above a certain level on a depression questionnaire. It's important that if you're taking antidepressant medication, your treatment has been stable for at least the past four weeks.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have any medical conditions that make physical activity unsafe for you, such as certain heart problems or uncontrolled asthma. Also, if you have very thick fatty tissue on your forearm, it might make it difficult to get accurate measurements for the study, so you wouldn't be able to participate.

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.

Are you a woman who is at least 40 years old?
Have you gone through menopause?
Have you been diagnosed with major depression by a doctor?
Is your antidepressant medication stable for at least the past 4 weeks?
Do you have any medical conditions that would make exercise dangerous for you?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will be randomly placed into one of two groups: either an adapted physical activity group or a control group receiving a different type of non-physical support. Both groups will participate in their assigned program while also continuing with your standard care in a psychiatric day hospital.

The study involves regular assessments to check your mood and how your body is responding. A key part will be measuring how your muscles recover after a small exercise, using a special device on your forearm. The total duration of your participation in the study program and follow-up assessments will be explained by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer potential benefits, such as gaining access to a structured exercise program or receiving additional support, which could potentially help with your depression symptoms. There are also potential risks, such as the usual minor discomfort or muscle soreness associated with physical activity, though the exercise program will be adapted to be gentle. You will always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU de Besançon
Verified postcode
Besançon, France

Common questions

What is 'adapted physical activity'?

It's a gentle exercise program that's specially designed to match your abilities and needs, making sure it's safe and helpful for you.

What does 'mitochondrial function' mean?

Mitochondria are like tiny power generators in your cells. 'Mitochondrial function' means how well these power generators are working to give your body energy.

Will I have to stop my current depression medication?

No, you will continue with your current antidepressant medication. In fact, your treatment needs to have been stable for at least 4 weeks before joining.

What kind of measurements will be taken?

The study will measure how quickly your muscles recover oxygen after a light exercise. This helps researchers understand how your body's cells are using energy.

What if I can't do much exercise?

The 'adapted' part of the physical activity means it will be tailored to you. The team will ensure the activities are suitable for your current fitness level.

How to find out more

Karine CHARRIERE, PhD

kcharriere@chu-besancon.fr +33 3 81 21 89 99 Official trial record

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