Effects of Aerobic Exercise on PTSD and Sleep: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Natural disasters such as earthquakes can lead to significant psychological consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sleep disturbances. Individuals who experience earthquakes and continue to live in temporary accommodation conditions may remain exposed to ongoing stressors that negatively affect their mental health and overall well-being.

Physical activity has been suggested as a potentially beneficial non-pharmacological intervention for improving psychological health and sleep quality. Aerobic exercise in particular has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and regulate sleep patterns. However, there is limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of structured aerobic exercise programs for earthquake survivors living in temporary settlement areas.

This randomized controlled study investigates the effects of a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program on PTSD symptoms and sleep quality among adult earthquake survivors residing in temporary accommodation centers. Participants who meet the inclusion criteria are randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group participates in supervised aerobic exercise sessions conducted twice per week for three weeks, resulting in a total of six exercise sessions. The control group continues their routine daily activities without participating in the exercise program.

Outcome measures include PTSD symptom severity and sleep quality assessed before and after the intervention using validated scales. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of evidence-based psychosocial and behavioral interventions aimed at improving mental health outcomes among populations affected by natural disasters.