Exercise may rewire fear memories in PTSD patients

NCT ID NCT06127342

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Christal L Badour Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at how exercise affects the way people with PTSD learn and remember emotional information. One hundred adults with PTSD from interpersonal violence will do either moderate or light cycling after recalling a traumatic memory. Researchers will measure anxiety, heart rate, and brain activity using MRI to see if exercise changes how the brain processes fear.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Moderate or low intensity stationary cycling
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to boost the effectiveness of PTSD treatments by adding exercise.
What could go wrong: This is an early, small study focused on understanding brain processes, not testing a treatment. Results may not lead to a direct therapy or apply to everyone with PTSD.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Motor Activity post-traumatic stress disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PTSD

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Kentucky
RECRUITING

Lexington, Kentucky, 40506, United States
University of Texas
RECRUITING

Austin, Texas, 78712, United States

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