Expanding first-line options for depression: Protocol of a pragmatic comparative effectiveness trial of yoga vs. behavioral activation (the COMPARE study)
2025

Comparing Yoga and Behavioral Activation for Depression

Sample size: 518 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sylvia Louisa G., Busch Andrew M., Rabideau Dustin J., Gold Alexandra, Danhauer Suzanne C., Schatten Heather T., Katz Douglas, Weinstock Lauren M., Dahne Jennifer, Schmid Sabine P., Soetan Zainab, Tovey Roberta, Pintro Kedie, Kvaka Adrienne, Hernandez Antonietta Alvarez, Hsu Ingrid, Melendez Alba, Adkins-Hempel Melissa, Grubb Angela, Lozado Odalys, Fili Atefeh Alavi, Chau Giuliana, Uebelacker Lisa A.

Primary Institution: Massachusetts General Hospital

Hypothesis

Does yoga perform as well as behavioral activation in improving depressive symptoms?

Conclusion

The study aims to determine if yoga is as effective as behavioral activation for treating depression.

Supporting Evidence

  • Depression is a leading cause of disease burden globally.
  • Yoga has shown efficacy in improving depressive symptoms.
  • Behavioral activation is a recommended first-line treatment for depression.
  • Many individuals with depression do not respond to traditional treatments.

Takeaway

This study is trying to find out if doing yoga can help people with depression just as much as talking to a therapist.

Methodology

Participants will be randomly assigned to either yoga or behavioral activation therapy delivered via telehealth over 24 weeks.

Potential Biases

Potential bias in participant selection due to reliance on self-reporting and recruitment methods.

Limitations

The study may not be generalizable to populations outside the selected states or those with severe depression.

Participant Demographics

Adults aged 18 and older with mild to moderate depressive symptoms, including diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0315506

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