Intervention effects of exergames on adolescents with subthreshold depression: a prospective, randomized controlled trial protocol {1a}

Abstract {1b} Introduction Subthreshold depression (SD) is a psychological condition characterized by the presence of depressive symptoms that do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder. SD carries the potential risk of progressing into major depression. Adolescents are a particularly high-risk population for SD, making early intervention critical to decreasing the likelihood of severe depressive disorders. Exergames, an innovative intervention approach, have drawn attention to their potential mental health benefits. However, no empirical studies have evaluated their efficacy in adolescents with SD. This study aims to assess the effects of exergames on adolescents with SD and compare their effectiveness with traditional aerobic exercises. Methods and analysis This study is a single-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 60 participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: the exergame group, the aerobic exercise group, or the control group. Participants in the exergame and aerobic exercise groups will be required to undergo an 8-week intervention, with 2-3 sessions per week, each lasting 40 min. Heart rate monitors will be employed to ensure comparable exercise intensity between the two active intervention groups. Assessments of depression, sleep quality, and related outcomes will be conducted at baseline, in the fourth week, and after the intervention. Comprehensive data analysis will be performed post-intervention. The control group will receive no intervention and will serve solely for evaluation purposes.