Exercise for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Christal G Badour, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Christal L Badour

Must not be taking: Benzodiazepines, Stimulants

Disqualifiers: Severe substance use, Suicidal, Psychotic, Manic, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

100 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how exercise might aid learning and memory in people with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Participants will engage in either moderate or low-intensity exercise after imagining a traumatic event, while researchers monitor their brain activity. The goal is to determine if exercise can enhance the processing of traumatic memories. Ideal candidates are those with PTSD from interpersonal violence. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding how exercise can support PTSD recovery.

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 there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that exercise, whether moderate or low intensity, is generally safe for people with PTSD. Studies have found that moderate exercise can reduce PTSD symptoms, ease depression, and improve sleep. Those who engage in this type of exercise often feel better overall.

Low-intensity exercise also benefits individuals with PTSD by reducing stress and boosting mood. This type of exercise typically doesn't cause major side effects, making it a safe choice for many.

In summary, both moderate and low-intensity exercises are well-tolerated and help with PTSD symptoms without major negative effects. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about exploring exercise for treating PTSD because it's a non-invasive and accessible option that could complement or even reduce the need for medications and traditional therapy. Unlike standard treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy or medications such as SSRIs, which focus on psychological or chemical pathways, exercise introduces a physical intervention that can influence both body and mind. Moderate-intensity exercise, in particular, has the potential to enhance brain function and emotional regulation through increased blood flow and neuroplasticity. Meanwhile, low-intensity exercise offers a gentler approach that might appeal to those unable to engage in more strenuous activities. By comparing these exercise regimens, researchers aim to uncover how physical activity can directly affect PTSD symptoms, offering a holistic alternative to existing treatments.

What evidence suggests that this trial's exercise treatments could be effective for PTSD?

Research shows that exercise can help people with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). In this trial, participants will follow different exercise regimens. Studies have found that moderate exercise, which participants in one arm of this trial will perform, can reduce PTSD symptoms, lower anxiety, and improve sleep. This type of exercise can also lessen feelings of distress. Participants in another arm will engage in low-intensity exercise, which can also reduce PTSD symptoms, though it might not be as effective as more intense exercise. Both exercise types are linked to better mental health for people with PTSD. While high-intensity exercise might have stronger effects, moderate and low-intensity exercises still provide clear benefits for managing PTSD symptoms. ^{2 5 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Thomas G Adams, Jr., PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Kentucky

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?

Group I: Moderate Intensity Exercise Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Visit 1: Participants will complete study screening, PTSD assessments, and provide written narrative for a traumatic event and a neutral control event. Visit 2: Participants will complete baseline structural MRI scans before completing 8 trials of imaginal exposure - 4 neutral then 4 trauma narratives - with psychophysiological and fMRI measurement. Following completion of the imaginal exposure task, the participant will perform Moderate-Intensity Exercise (30-min at 70-75% max HR with 5-min warm-up and 5-min cool-down at 40-50% max HR), on a stationary bike. Visit 3: Participants will complete the same imaginal exposure with measurement of psychophysiology, fMRI, and subjective emotional responding.

Group II: Low Intensity Exercise Active Control 1 Intervention

Visit 1: Participants will complete study screening, PTSD assessments, and provide written narrative for a traumatic event and a neutral control event. Visit 2: Participants will complete baseline structural MRI scans before completing 8 trials of imaginal exposure - 4 neutral then 4 trauma narratives - with psychophysiological and fMRI measurement. Following completion of the imaginal exposure task, the participant will perform Low-Intensity Exercise (control; 40-mins at 40-50% max HR),on a stationary bike. Visit 3: Participants will complete the same imaginal exposure with measurement of psychophysiology, fMRI, and subjective emotional responding.

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 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.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Exercise Intervention in PTSD: A Narrative Review and Rationale for Implementation. Hegberg, NJ., Hayes, JP., Hayes, SM.[2023]

The Warrior Wellness pilot study aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a 12-week exercise program for older veterans (aged 60 and above) with PTSD, focusing on improving PTSD symptoms and cardiovascular endurance.

This study will provide insights into how regular exercise can impact the health of older veterans with PTSD, potentially leading to better treatment options and improved quality of life.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Warrior Wellness Study: A Randomized Controlled Exercise Trial for Older Veterans with PTSD. Hall, KS., Morey, MC., Beckham, JC., et al.[2020]

Aerobic exercise may serve as a beneficial addition to traditional PTSD treatments, like exposure therapy, by improving both physical health and enhancing the effectiveness of fear extinction learning, which is crucial for reducing anxiety symptoms.

The review highlights emerging evidence from preclinical and clinical studies that suggest exercise can improve the consolidation and recall of fear extinction memories, indicating a potential new approach to treating PTSD more effectively.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Aerobic exercise in the treatment of PTSD: An examination of preclinical and clinical laboratory findings, potential mechanisms, clinical implications, and future directions. Crombie, KM., Adams, TG., Dunsmoor, JE., et al.[2023]

Physical activity (PA) is an effective adjunct therapy for reducing PTSD symptoms, particularly in individuals with subsyndromal symptoms or those resistant to standard treatments, as highlighted by the review of existing literature.

There is a need for further research to determine the most effective types, doses, and durations of exercise for PTSD treatment, as findings from observational and controlled studies have been inconsistent.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Effect of Physical Activity on PTSD. Oppizzi, LM., Umberger, R.[2019]

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.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of an exercise program on posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. Manger, TA., Motta, RW.[2005]

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.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pilot randomized controlled trial of exercise training for older veterans with PTSD. Hall, KS., Morey, MC., Bosworth, HB., et al.[2021]

A two-week aerobic exercise program involving 33 participants with PTSD led to clinically significant reductions in PTSD severity for 89% of the participants, indicating that aerobic exercise can be an effective treatment for PTSD symptoms.

While all exercise groups experienced reduced PTSD symptoms, those focusing on their bodily sensations during exercise showed less improvement compared to those who were distracted or had no specific focus, suggesting that distraction may enhance the therapeutic effects of exercise.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Aerobic Exercise Reduces Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Fetzner, MG., Asmundson, GJ.[2022]

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40505186/

Optimal exercise dosage and type for improving post ... This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to identify the most effective types and dosages of exercise for managing PTSD in adults.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11959255/

The therapeutic potential of exercise in post-traumatic stress ... Findings from human studies are not conclusive, although high-intensity exercise shows promise in reducing PTSD symptom severity. How exercise ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388125000696

Optimal exercise dosage and type for improving post ... Emerging evidence suggests exercise may be effective in alleviating PTSD symptoms. This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to identify the most ...

4. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1445144/full

Cross-sectional exercise-related differences in PTSD ... Indeed, the results showed that Active participants reported significantly lower PTSD symptoms, psychological distress, less pain, and better ...

5. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2023/4294753

Physical Activity and Exercise as a Tool to Cure Anxiety ... Exercise has been shown to reduce the signs and symptoms of depression and PTSD, particularly mind-body exercise and low-intensity aerobic ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5438780/

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and 20-Year Physical ... Research suggests that approximately 70%–80% of patients diagnosed with PTSD experience nightmares and insomnia, and greater sleepiness is negatively correlated ...

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0163834317301081

Direct and indirect effects of exercise on posttraumatic ... The findings suggest that exercise participation, particularly strenuous intensity exercise, is longitudinally associated with less PTSD symptoms.

8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12466154/

How does exercise regulate the physiological responses of ... Exercise may have vital impact on the physiological responses of PTSD by increasing oxidative stress responses and regulating HPA axis function, ...