Exercise and Emotional Learning in PTSD

This study is looking at how exercise might help people with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) learn and remember things that are helpful for their recovery. Researchers want to see if moderate intensity exercise, like cycling at a steady pace, after thinking about traumatic memories, can improve how the brain processes fear. You might be able to join if you are an adult between 18 and 64 years old with PTSD from interpersonal violence. The study is comparing moderate intensity exercise to low intensity exercise (slower cycling). Success will be measured by changes in your emotional ratings, heart rate, and brain activity related to fear after 24 and 48 hours. The current status of this study is unclear.

Study design
This interventional study plans to enroll 100 participants. It compares two groups: one doing moderate intensity exercise and another doing low intensity exercise.
What's involved
You would complete an initial visit, followed by two experimental sessions. These sessions involve an MRI scan, thinking about traumatic memories, and then 30-40 minutes of cycling.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your emotional ratings and heart rate will be measured 24 hours after an experimental session, and brain activity will be measured 48 hours after.

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NCT06127342

Exercise and Emotional Learning in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Recruiting
NAAges 18–64InterventionalTreatment
Christal L Badour
~100 participants
Updated 2025-09-03 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Moderate Intensity ExerciseLow Intensity Exercise

At a glance

Recruiting sites
2 of 2 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in participant subjective emotional ratings
Measured over 24 hours
+2 more outcomes measured
PTSD
2 sites across 2 states
Kentucky1
Texas1
  • Thomas G Adams, Jr., PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Kentucky
  • Christal Badour, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Kentucky

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Adults with PTSD related to interpersonal violence

Exclusion

Active or recent (within the last 3 months) severe substance use disorder(s)
Active or recent (within the last 3 months) suicidal, psychotic, or manic symptoms/ episodes
Significant developmental disabilities
Current daily benzodiazepine or stimulant use with inability to abstain for study sessions
Recent changes in psychiatric medication or trauma focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) (past 4-weeks)
Medical condition(s) that prohibit exercise
History of traumatic brain injury (TBI) with loss of consciousness \> 30 mins
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contraindication(s)
Positive pregnancy test
History of seizure disorder
Spontaneous seizure(s) within the last 3 months
  • Change in participant subjective emotional ratings24 hours

    Participant anxiety will be measured at baseline and after each imagery trial using a 10-point Likert-type scale with higher scores indicative of more subjective anxiety.

  • Change in Heart Rate24 hours

    Participant heart rate will be measured at baseline and after each imagery trial using a Biopac MP160 system

  • Change in Fear Circuit Blood Oxygen Level-Dependent (BOLD) Response48 hours

    Blood Oxygen Level-Dependent (BOLD) imaging will be measured during each imagery trial