Exercise as an Adjuvant Therapy for Veterans With PTSD
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Post-traumatic
- Sponsor
- VA Office of Research and Development
- Enrollment
- 54
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Physical Activity
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 6 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to examine whether posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms impact adherence to a 12-week physical activity program and whether exercise can help improve PTSD symptoms and health outcomes in older Veterans. Veterans over the age of 60 with PTSD were be recruited to participate in a 12-week physical activity program consisting of aerobic and strengthening activities. 54 participants were randomized to an intervention arm (n=36) or usual care wait-list control (n=18).
Detailed Description
There is substantial evidence that physical inactivity contributes to poorer physical health outcomes in older adults. There is a paucity of work examining physical activity in Veterans with PTSD. Consequently, the efficacy of exercise as a beneficial adjunctive therapy in the treatment for PTSD symptoms and related health sequelae has not been established. Methods: Approximately 50 Veterans 60 years and older with PTSD will be recruited to participate in a 12-week physical activity program consisting of aerobic and strength-training activities. Participants will be randomized to an intervention arm or usual care wait-list control. Outcomes: Changes in physical function, PTSD symptom severity, and aerobic endurance will be assessed between the two study arms. Summary: This pilot trial will extend the investigators' understanding of the physical and psychological benefits of physical activity in Veterans with PTSD. The results from this study will be used to be used to develop a larger, randomized controlled exercise trial for Veterans with PTSD. Once new, effective exercise therapies for Veterans with PTSD are established, we can augment traditional PTSD therapy with exercise therapy to promote the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases common in this vulnerable population.
Investigators
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Meet diagnostic criteria for current PTSD,
- •live within 50 miles of Durham VA Medical Center (VAMC) and have reliable transportation,
- •registered for care at the Durham VAMC,
- •independently mobile (assistive devices acceptable),
- •speak and write fluent conversational English
Exclusion Criteria
- •Active substance dependence other than nicotine,
- •cognitive impairment, uncontrolled psychotic symptoms,
- •clinical history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) occurring within the past 3 months,
- •uncontrolled hypertension,
- •renal disease or currently receiving dialysis,
- •psychotropic medication initiated within 6 weeks prior to enrollment
- •proliferative retinopathy
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Physical Activity
Time Frame: Baseline and 12 Weeks
Activity levels (metabolic equivalent \[MET\]-minutes/week) were measured using the Aerobic Center Longitudinal Study physical activity questionnaire.
Feasibility of Patient Recruitment
Time Frame: Baseline
The primary aim/outcome of this pilot study is the feasibility of recruiting older Veterans with PTSD to participate in a 12-week exercise program. The number of Veterans recruited out of the total number contacted will be determined at baseline.
PTSD Symptoms
Time Frame: Baseline and 12 Weeks
PTSD symptom severity was assessed at both baseline and 12 Weeks using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-V (PCL-5). Scores on the PCL-5 range from 0 to 80, with higher scores indicating more severe PTSD symptoms.
Secondary Outcomes
- Aerobic Endurance(Baseline and 12 Weeks)