Exposure Therapy + Exercise for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
(BEE for PTSD Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether combining exposure therapy and exercise can reduce symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in adults. Participants will attend sessions twice a week for four weeks, engaging in therapy and moderate aerobic exercise. The trial also seeks to determine if participants find this approach manageable and worthwhile. It is recruiting adults with PTSD who are not currently in other therapy and can handle moderate exercise. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative PTSD treatment research.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you must not be on unstable psychiatric medication (less than four weeks of use). It's best to discuss your specific situation with the trial coordinators.
What prior data suggests that this therapy is safe for treating PTSD?
Research has shown that both exposure therapy and exercise have been studied separately for their effects on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Adding exercise to exposure therapy might enhance the treatment's effectiveness. For instance, a small study found that performing aerobic exercise before exposure therapy could reduce PTSD symptoms more effectively.
Regarding safety, exposure therapy is a common and generally well-tolerated treatment for PTSD. It involves facing fears in a safe setting, which can be challenging but is usually safe with professional guidance. Exercise is also typically safe and offers many health benefits. No specific reports of serious problems have emerged when combining these two methods. However, it is important to follow professional advice and communicate any concerns during the trial.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about combining brief exposure therapy with exercise for treating PTSD because it brings a fresh approach to managing the condition. Unlike standard treatments like medication or lengthy therapy sessions, this method could potentially speed up recovery by integrating physical activity, which is known to help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Additionally, the combination of brief exposure therapy and exercise is designed to be completed in just 3 to 5 weeks, providing a quicker path to relief. This could be especially beneficial for those seeking effective treatment without committing to long-term therapy.
What evidence suggests that brief exposure therapy and exercise might be an effective treatment for PTSD?
Research shows that combining exposure therapy with exercise may help treat PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). This trial will evaluate different durations of this combined approach. Studies have found that adding physical activity to trauma-focused treatments can enhance their effectiveness. One study discovered that PTSD symptoms decreased significantly with this combined approach compared to the starting levels. Another study suggested that short aerobic exercise could enhance the benefits of exposure therapy, helping to reduce PTSD symptoms. While exposure therapy alone works for some people, adding exercise might offer extra benefits.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Jessica Burris, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
University of Kentucky
Shannon Sauer-Zavala, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
University of Kentucky
Troy J.J. Hubert, M.S.
Principal Investigator
University of Kentucky
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults aged 18-64 with recent PTSD not currently in psychotherapy or on stable meds for less than four weeks. Must consent to twice-weekly sessions, be able to do moderate exercise, and speak/read English fluently.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline
Participants are randomized into a 3, 4, or 5 week baseline period to complete weekly self-report questionnaires assessing PTSD symptoms and exposure therapy mechanisms
Treatment
Participants attend 8 sessions of brief exposure and exercise therapy, including imaginal exposures and aerobic exercise
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including satisfaction ratings and PTSD symptom assessments
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Brief Exposure Therapy and Exercise
Trial Overview
The trial tests if brief exposure therapy combined with exercise over eight sessions can treat PTSD. It checks the treatment's acceptability and effectiveness at reducing symptom severity through weekly questionnaires for up to 14 weeks.
How Is the Trial Designed?
3
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Participants are randomized into the 5 week baseline condition before receiving the exposure therapy and exercise intervention.
Participants are randomized into the 4 week baseline condition before receiving the exposure therapy and exercise intervention.
Participants are randomized into the 3 week baseline condition before receiving the exposure therapy and exercise intervention.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Troy Hubert
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Adding physical activity to intensive trauma-focused ...
This randomized controlled trial examined the effectiveness of physical activity added to an intensive trauma-focused treatment (TFT) for post-traumatic stress ...
To Expose or Not to Expose: A Comprehensive Perspective ...
But effectiveness and implementation data show that a large proportion of patients who undergo exposure therapy retain their PTSD diagnosis, and implementation ...
Inhibitory Retrieval-Based Exposure Therapy for Patients ...
Results showed that PTSD symptoms significantly decreased over treatment compared to baseline (b = −0.22, p < .001). Clinically meaningful ...
Augmenting trauma-focused psychotherapy for post ...
We aimed to investigate the effects of brief aerobic exercise on the efficacy of exposure therapy in reducing the severity of PTSD.
Effect of Written Exposure Therapy vs Cognitive Processing ...
Written exposure therapy was found to be noninferior to cognitive processing therapy. Dropout rates for written exposure therapy were significantly lower.
Brief Exposure and Exercise for PTSD.
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if 8 sessions of brief exposure and exercise therapy works to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in adults.
The Role of Exercise in the Treatment of PTSD Symptoms
The most effective treatment for PTSD is exposure therapy where, under the supervision of a trained therapist, individuals are exposed to prolonged and repeated ...
Augmenting trauma-focused psychotherapy for post ...
Only one small pilot study has indicated that brief aerobic exercise before exposure therapy led to greater reductions in PTSD severity after treatment relative ...
Exercise Augmentation of Exposure Therapy for PTSD
As reviewed, exercise may have the potential to enhance outcome in general and aid those individuals for whom a regular exposure therapy regimen falls short in ...
Written Exposure Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms ...
We evaluated the efficacy of WET + CRP plus treatment as usual. (TAU; referred to as WET + CRP hereafter) compared with TAU alone in reducing suicide risk and ...
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