The present study will assess the effects of a four-week digitally delivered intervention on physical activity and depressive symptoms among adults experiencing at least moderate depressive symptoms. The main questions this research aims to answer are:
- Does a digitally-delivered intervention increase physical activity levels?
- Does a digitally-delivered intervention reduce symptoms of depression?
Researchers will compare an intervention promoting physical activity to a passive control (does not receive the intervention) group to see if the intervention reduces depressive symptoms and increases physical activity levels.
Participants will
- Visit the laboratory at two separate time points before group assignment, separated by one week of physical activity monitoring
- Be randomly assigned to complete four weeks of a digital intervention prompting engagement in physical activity or have their mental health symptoms monitored over four weeks (i.e., passive control group)
- Visit the laboratory at two separate time points after the intervention, separated by one week of physical activity monitoring
Inclusion Criteria
- Between the ages of 19 and 40 years
- Verbally fluent in English (i.e., must be able to speak or understand English)
- No uncorrected visual or hearing impairment
- Moderate depressive symptoms or greater of at least 10 or higher on the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 screening instrument
- Eligible to participate in physical activity
- Physically inactive (i.e., engaging in less than 150 min of weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity)
- Owns an Apple or Android mobile device, willing to download the Pathverse app , and willing to keep the device on during the study period
- Not currently pregnant
Exclusion Criteria
\- Participants will not qualify for the current study if they do not meet the above inclusion criteria.