Actively Recruiting
Using Advanced Imaging to Determine the Benefits of Exercise on Cardiovascular Risk in PTSD
Led by Massachusetts General Hospital · Updated on 2025-12-02
10
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how exercise affects brain activity and arterial inflammation in people who have symptoms of PTSD and either have or are at elevated risk for cardiovascular disease. This study uses a special non-invasive imaging technique called PET/MRI to explore these effects on cardiovascular health in this population. The research is led by Massachusetts General Hospital and aims to better understand the link between exercise, brain function, and artery inflammation in PTSD patients with cardiovascular concerns. Participants will take part in a specially designed exercise program that gradually increases the workload on the heart and blood vessels. The study measures changes before and after 12 to 16 weeks of exercise. Key measurements include heart rate, blood pressure, heart rate variability, arterial inflammation, and bone marrow inflammation, all assessed using imaging and other tests. During the study, participants will have evaluations at the start and after completing the exercise program. These include heart and blood vessel monitoring, imaging scans, and assessments of inflammation. The study tracks these outcomes to understand how exercise influences cardiovascular risk factors and brain activity over the treatment period. The total participation lasts about 3 to 4 months with careful monitoring of health measures throughout.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Determining the Benefits of Exercise on Cardiovascular Risk in PTSD
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 to 65 years
- Trauma exposure
- PTSD symptoms
- Subclinical or clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or increased risk for cardiovascular disease with more than two risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and active smoking
- Ability to understand and sign informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- History of stroke, brain surgery, or seizure
- Use of certain cardiovascular medications such as beta-blockers, high-intensity statins, or PCSK-9 inhibitors
- Psychiatric or cardiovascular medication change within 4 weeks
- Unstable blood pressure or cardiac arrhythmia
- Currently in a supervised or graduated exercise program
- Neurological or systemic inflammatory disease or current systemic anti-inflammatory therapy
- Moderate or severe alcohol or substance use disorder
- Current mania or psychosis
- Weight over 300 pounds
- Claustrophobia
- Pregnancy
- Metal implants
- Uncontrolled hyperglycemia with HgbA1c greater than 7.5%
- Significant radiation exposure from research procedures during the past 12 months (more than 2 nuclear tests, CT scans, or fluoroscopic procedures)
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)
Duration - 12 to 16 weeks
Participants engage in a behavioral exercise program designed to gradually increase cardiovascular workload.
Regular visits during the exercise program
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02114
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Antonia Seligowski, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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