Actively Recruiting
Computer Monitor Versus Augmented Reality: Expanding 3MDR Therapy for PTSD
Led by Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences · Updated on 2025-07-15
60
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
21 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Lead Sponsor
M
Military Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative, USUHS
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating two different ways of delivering Motion-assisted, Multi-modular Memory Desensitization and Reconsolidation (3MDR) therapy for people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study involves volunteers eligible for care in the Department of Defense healthcare system and aims to compare changes in PTSD symptoms when 3MDR is delivered via augmented reality head-mounted display or a computer monitor. The study addresses the need for more accessible PTSD treatments following trauma or combat exposure, as current treatments may have limited effects or poor tolerance. Participants will complete 10 to 14 therapy sessions lasting 60 to 90 minutes each, about once a week. Sessions include three preparatory meetings to choose music and pictures that represent trauma, followed by 6 to 10 therapy sessions where participants walk on a treadmill while talking through their chosen pictures with a therapist. The therapy uses either augmented reality goggles showing virtual images alongside the real world or a high-definition curved computer monitor displaying pictures. A final wrap-up session will review progress and discuss any additional therapy needs. During the study, participants' PTSD symptoms are assessed before treatment, after completing therapy, and again at 3 and 6 months post-therapy. Assessments include questionnaires and clinician evaluations such as the Clinician Administered PTSD scale for DSM5 (CAPS-5) and the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5). Other measures like depression, insomnia, and resilience are also evaluated. The study includes virtual or in-person sessions, and ongoing monitoring ensures participants' safety and tracks symptom changes throughout the trial duration.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Computer Monitor vs Augmented Reality 3MDR for PTSD PTSD: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Service member, veteran, retiree, or DEERS-eligible dependent, male or female, at least 18 years or older
- Diagnosis of PTSD, as confirmed by the CAPS-5
- Able to ambulate with contact guard assistance or less, and walk unassisted on a treadmill, at a normal pace, for up to 90 minutes continuously
You will not qualify if you...
- History of epilepsy or a seizure disorder, other than febrile seizures that occurred during childhood and have not recurred since
- History of a psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or active suicidal or homicidal ideation
- Use of benzodiazepines on a regular basis within the previous 30 days
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person or virtual)
Duration - 3 sessions over approximately 1 week
Participants attend two introductory sessions with their therapist to select music and pictures for therapy; these sessions can be in person or virtual. In the third session, participants try walking on the treadmill with a sample picture using their assigned method.
3 visits (in-person or virtual)
Duration - Up to 10 weeks depending on symptom improvement
Participants complete 6 to 10 therapy sessions walking on a treadmill while discussing self-chosen pictures with a therapist. Each session involves talking through 5 or 6 pictures for about 10 minutes each. Additional sessions may be added depending on symptom improvement. There is a final wrap-up session to discuss therapy progress and next steps.
7 to 11 visits (in-person or virtual)
Duration - 6 months
Participants complete symptom assessments immediately after therapy and again at 3 and 6 months to evaluate long-term treatment effects.
3 visits (in-person or virtual)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Uniformed Services University
Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20814
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
H
Hannah Attalah, BA
M
Michael Roy, MD, MPH
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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