The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of exercise in comparison to wellness education to determine if they can improve the effects of prolonged exposure therapy (PE) in reducing symptoms of anxiety associated with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In addition, the two strategies (i.e., exercise and wellness education) will be compared in terms of improvements in sleep as well as levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is a protein that helps to support the survival of existing neurons and stimulate the growth new neurons and synapses. BDNF is important to learning and memory in general and therefore may be associated with the learning and memory as it relates to PE and corresponding symptom PTSD improvement.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
9
75-90 minute weekly psychotherapy sessions x 12 weeks, focused on gradually confronting distressing trauma-related memories and reminders
30 minutes of moderate-intensity treadmill exercise prior to the Prolonged Exposure
30 minutes of wellness education prior to Prolonged Exposure
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, Texas, United States
PTSD Symptoms
Self-report measure that assesses PTSD Symptoms. Will be assessed at each visit throughout the 3 month protocol.
Time frame: 3 months
Sleep Quality
Sleep measure that will be assessed twice (at the beginning and end of the 3 month protocol).
Time frame: 3 months
BDNF (by blood sample)
Small blood sample taken twice (at the beginning and end of the 3 month protocol).
Time frame: 3 months
General Mood and Anxiety Symptoms
Self-report measure that assesses mood and anxiety. Will be assessed at each visit throughout the 3 month protocol.
Time frame: 3 months
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