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N/A N=117 Randomized Single-blind Treatment

Yoga and Physical Activity for Veterans

PTSD

Enrolled (actual)
117
Serious AEs
2.6%
Results posted
Nov 2024
Primary outcome: Primary: Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Version 5 (CAPS-5) — 3.92; 3.46 change in units on a scale — p=0.74

Study Design & Population

Study type
Interventional
Phase
N/A
Interventions
Hatha yoga (Behavioral); Supportive physical activity (Behavioral)
Age
Adult, Older Adult · 18+ yrs
Sex
All
Sponsor
VA Office of Research and Development
Primary completion
Sep 2023

Outcome Measures

OutcomeResultp-value
PRIMARY
Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Version 5 (CAPS-5)
3.92; 3.46 0.74
SECONDARY
Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Items (PHQ-9)
3.79; 2.11
SECONDARY
State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, State Subscale
0.23; -0.53
SECONDARY
State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory - II (STAXI-II), State Anger Subscale
1.02; 1.08
SECONDARY
Insomnia Severity Index
2.73; 1.64
SECONDARY
Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Interference 4a
0.8; 0.92

Summary

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a major health problem for the nation's Veterans, leading to significant physical and mental health morbidity and mortality. Current empirically-supported interventions ameliorate symptoms but generally do not restore full functioning, so the development of alternative or complementary approaches is a critical need. Large numbers of Veterans are seeking out yoga as a part of their recovery plans, but there is not enough evidence to recommend yoga for treatment of PTSD. Likely reflecting this heterogeneity, evidence of yoga's efficacy is highly variable. This project aims to address this problem by comparing the effect of yoga to a matched exercise control condition. The study will also explore the mechanisms by which yoga impacts PTSD. Ultimately, the goal of this research would be to contribute to integrative care planning, whereby multiple approaches can be applied in a synergistic manner to restore wellness for Veterans affected by PTSD.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

  • Veterans who have clinically meaningful PTSD symptoms

Exclusion Criteria

  • serious suicidality or homicidality that has required urgent or emergent evaluation or treatment within the past three months
  • a known, untreated substance abuse or dependence problem
  • inclusion is possible if there is evidence that the individual has been afforded and is complying with treatment for the substance problem
  • serious mental disorders, such as psychotic disorders or bipolar type I, or serious dissociative symptoms
  • cognitive impairment that would interfere with treatment
  • circumstances that lead to recurrent traumatization
  • e.g., engaged in a violent relationship
  • any medical condition for which exercise is contraindicated, including pregnancy
  • concurrent enrollment in any other treatment specifically targeting PTSD symptoms or in any meditative or mind-body intervention
  • including yoga practice >1 class/month in the preceding 6 months
View full record on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03509909). Outcome figures and adverse-event rates are extracted automatically from the registry's posted results and are provided for clinician reference, not as a substitute for the primary publication.

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