Exercise & Emotional Learning in PTSD
Researchers at the University of Kentucky and the University of Texas at Austin are partnering with individuals who have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to interpersonal violence (IPV) to understand more about how exercise may influence aspects of treatment for PTSD.
Fast Facts
Diagnosed or suspected PTSD
18-64
Years Old
Compensation
Provided Up To $275
Conducted in
Lexington, KY
Study Background
After a traumatic event, some people experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With PTSD, the brain involuntarily responds to the world around you as though you are still in danger, even though the traumatic event is in the past. In this study, researchers will be examining how areas of the brain (such as fear circuits) and emotional learning processes are affected by exercise.
If you have experienced a traumatic instance of interpersonal violence, such as physical assault, sexual assault, domestic violence, or abuse, you may be eligible for this study.
Your participation may help researchers improve treatment approaches for PTSD. Advance research today and join our compensated study!
Study Background
After a traumatic event, some people experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). With PTSD, the brain involuntarily responds to the world around you as though you are still in danger, even though the traumatic event is in the past. In this study, researchers will be examining how areas of the brain (such as fear circuits) and emotional learning processes are affected by exercise.
If you have experienced a traumatic instance of interpersonal violence, such as physical assault, sexual assault, domestic violence, or abuse, you may be eligible for this study.
Your participation may help researchers improve treatment approaches for PTSD. Advance research today and join our compensated study!
Additional Information
The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the effect of exercise on certain brain processes in people with PTSD.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 18-64 years old
- Experienced interpersonal violence (physical assault, sexual assault, domestic violence, or abuse)
- Experiencing symptoms of PTSD
- Able to complete an MRI brain scan (no metal in your body)
- Able to engage in moderate-intensity exercise for up to 45 minutes
Exclusion Criteria:
- Medical conditions that prohibit exercise
- Acute suicidality
- History of bipolar or psychotic disorders
- Active substance use disorders
- Daily benzodiazepine or stimulant use
- Changes to psychiatric medication or trauma-focused therapy in the past month
- Significant developmental disabilities
- History of major traumatic brain injury
- Pregnancy
Screening visits: Screening visits will consist of a 3-hour intake session that includes an assessment of psychiatric symptoms to determine study eligibility and the preparation of brief scripts that describe neutral and trauma memories.
Lab visits: If eligible, participants will be asked to visit the lab for two consecutive days. During each lab visit, participants will read and listen to the scripts prepared during the study intake while the researcher collects brain scans using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and assess emotional reactions such as heart rate. During the first lab visit, participants will also complete 30-40 minutes of light- or moderate-intensity exercise with blood draws before and after exercise.
Compensation is provided up to $275 for your time.
There is no cost for you to participate in the study.