Randomised Controlled Trial of Combining Cognitive Behaviour Therapy with either Exercise or Stretching for Adults with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

INTERVENTION: There are three arms to this trial. Arm 1: CBT/Exercise. Arm 2: CBT/Yoga. Arm 3: CBT/Delayed Exercise. Therapy is administered once‐weekly over 9 weeks on an individual 90 minute basis. CBT includes education about PTSD, cognitive restructuring of erroneous beliefs about the trauma experience, and exposure to memories of the trauma and to avoided situation. Exercise involves 10 minutes of aerobic exericse via a stepping activity, with the target heart rate (HR) being [60‐80% / 100 x (Max HR – Resting HR) + Resting HR]. In the CBT/Exercise condition this exercise will occur immediately at the conclusion of the CBT session. The duration of the study for any participant will conclude after a 6‐month follow‐up assessment, resulting in participation duration of 9 months. CONDITION: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PRIMARY OUTCOME: Posttraumatic stress disorder, as measured by the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Depression, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Adults survivors of trauma who meet criteria for Postraumatic Stress Disorder