100 Participants Needed

Exercise for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Recruiting at 1 trial location
TG
CG
Overseen ByChristal G Badour, PhD
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this clinical trial is to test how exercise affects learning and memory processes relevant to the treatment of PTSD. Participants will complete a baseline intake followed by two experimental sessions. During the first experimental session, participants will undergo an MRI session of imaginal exposure to traumatic memory cues followed by 30-minutes of moderate intensity exercise or low intensity exercise. Participants will complete a second session of imaginal exposure with MRI 24 hours later.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial requires that you do not have recent changes in psychiatric medication within the past 4 weeks, and you must be able to abstain from daily benzodiazepine or stimulant use during study sessions.

Is exercise safe for people with PTSD?

Exercise, including aerobic and physical activity, is generally safe for people with PTSD. Studies show no adverse events and high adherence rates, indicating it is well-tolerated and can improve mental health without significant risks.12345

How does exercise treatment for PTSD differ from other treatments?

Exercise treatment for PTSD is unique because it uses physical activity to reduce symptoms, potentially through mechanisms like improving brain function and reducing inflammation, unlike traditional treatments that often rely on medication or talk therapy. It can also improve related conditions like anxiety and depression, making it a versatile and accessible option for many individuals.12356

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Low Intensity Exercise, Low-Intensity Exercise, Light Exercise, Mild Exercise, Moderate Intensity Exercise, Aerobic Exercise, Physical Activity, Moderate Exercise for PTSD?

Research shows that exercise, including aerobic and physical activity, can reduce PTSD symptoms and improve related conditions like anxiety and depression. Studies found that exercise is safe, acceptable, and may lead to significant improvements in mental health for those with PTSD.12357

Who Is on the Research Team?

TG

Thomas G Adams, Jr., PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Kentucky

CB

Christal Badour, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Kentucky

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults with PTSD from interpersonal violence. It explores how different exercise intensities affect learning and memory tied to PTSD treatment.

Inclusion Criteria

I have PTSD from experiencing violence from others.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week
1 visit (in-person)

Baseline and Experimental Sessions

Participants complete baseline intake and two experimental sessions involving imaginal exposure and exercise

1 week
3 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in heart rate, BOLD response, and subjective emotional ratings

1 week

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Low Intensity Exercise
  • Moderate Intensity Exercise
Trial Overview Participants will be exposed to traumatic memories, then do either moderate or low intensity exercise. Their brain activity is monitored via MRI before and after the exercises.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Moderate Intensity ExerciseExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Group II: Low Intensity ExerciseActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Christal L Badour

Lead Sponsor

Trials
3
Recruited
130+

Thomas Adams

Lead Sponsor

Trials
4
Recruited
180+

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Collaborator

Trials
3,007
Recruited
2,852,000+

University of Texas at Austin

Collaborator

Trials
387
Recruited
86,100+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A pilot trial involving 54 veterans aged 60 and older with PTSD showed that supervised exercise training is safe and well-accepted, with high adherence rates of 82% and minimal attrition of 14%.
Participants experienced clinically significant improvements in PTSD symptoms and related conditions after 12 weeks of exercise, suggesting that exercise could be an effective intervention for older adults with PTSD.
Pilot randomized controlled trial of exercise training for older veterans with PTSD.Hall, KS., Morey, MC., Bosworth, HB., et al.[2021]
A review of 19 studies suggests that aerobic exercise can effectively reduce PTSD symptoms, either on its own or alongside standard treatments.
Potential mechanisms for this improvement include helping individuals cope with internal stress cues, enhancing brain function, promoting neuroplasticity, normalizing stress hormone levels, and lowering inflammation.
Exercise Intervention in PTSD: A Narrative Review and Rationale for Implementation.Hegberg, NJ., Hayes, JP., Hayes, SM.[2023]
A 12-session aerobic exercise program significantly reduced symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression in participants, indicating its potential as an effective intervention.
The positive effects of the exercise program were maintained for at least one month after the intervention, suggesting lasting benefits for individuals with treatment-resistant PTSD.
The impact of an exercise program on posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.Manger, TA., Motta, RW.[2005]

Citations

Pilot randomized controlled trial of exercise training for older veterans with PTSD. [2021]
Exercise Intervention in PTSD: A Narrative Review and Rationale for Implementation. [2023]
The impact of an exercise program on posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. [2005]
Aerobic Exercise Reduces Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. [2022]
The Effect of Physical Activity on PTSD. [2019]
Aerobic exercise in the treatment of PTSD: An examination of preclinical and clinical laboratory findings, potential mechanisms, clinical implications, and future directions. [2023]
The Warrior Wellness Study: A Randomized Controlled Exercise Trial for Older Veterans with PTSD. [2020]
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