Overview
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.
Description
The proposed project would build on our published pilot data and animal models to demonstrate that moderate intensity physical exercise delivered after exposure therapy engages fear circuitry and enhances the consolidation of therapeutic safety learning, thereby enabling enhanced symptom reduction for PTSD. Adults with PTSD related to interpersonal violence (IPV) exposure would complete an initial session of imaginal exposure to traumatic memory cues adapted for an MRI setting. This would be followed by 30-mins of moderate intensity exercise or low intensity exercise control. Participants would return 24-hrs later to complete a second session of imaginal exposure with MRI.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults with PTSD related to interpersonal violence
Exclusion Criteria:
- active severe substance use disorder(s)
- acute suicidality
- history of bipolar or psychotic disorder(s)
- significant developmental disabilities
- current daily benzodiazepine or stimulant use
- recent changes in psychiatric medication or trauma focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) (past 4-weeks)
- medical condition(s) that prohibit exercise
- loss of consciousness > 10 mins
- history of traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contraindication(s)
- positive pregnancy test.