Exercise shows promise for easing PTSD in older veterans

NCT ID NCT04199182

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looked at whether 6 months of supervised exercise training could reduce PTSD symptoms and improve physical health in older veterans with PTSD. 80 veterans took part, with one group doing exercise and another receiving health education. The goal was to see if exercise could help with PTSD symptoms, sleep, and overall function.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Exercise Training
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a non-drug way to ease PTSD symptoms and improve physical health in older veterans.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed study with only 80 participants, so results may not apply to all veterans. Exercise may not reduce PTSD symptoms as hoped.

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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.

POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC

Durham, North Carolina, 27705-3875, United States

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