Neurohormonal Benefits of Exercise in Fibromyalgia and PTSD

The most recent conflicts are creating a new generation of Veterans, including an increasing number of women Veterans, who present with comorbid PTSD and chronic pain conditions, including Fibromyalgia (FM), from deployment-related physical injuries and exposure to psychological trauma. Health behavior change is important in treating these conditions and proactively preventing long-term negative health sequelae, in order to benefit these Veterans directly and reduce the challenges to our healthcare system. The proposed SPiRE application will use an innovative translational research approach to study whether a progressive -based exercise program will reduce FM pain in patients with PTSD and to elucidate and modify potential PTSD-related deficiencies in neurobiological and psychological responses to exercise to optimize the physical and psychological benefits of exercise for these individuals.