Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART) for PTSD

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized study compares eight hour-long sessions of the SMART movement and body-based therapy to a wait-list (delayed treatment) condition in adults with PTSD. The SMART protocol builds on sensory integration theory and uses movement, touch, body awareness, and balance to target how trauma affects bodily experience and arousal. Participants complete assessments before treatment, after treatment, and again at three months to measure symptom change and durability of effects. Those assigned to the wait-list receive the same eight SMART sessions after the three-month follow-up.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults, aged 18-65
2. A primary diagnosis of PTSD as determined by our pre-treatment assessment
3. Ability to provide informed consent
4. Fluency in written and spoken English (to be able to complete assessments)
5. Lives within 30km of London, ON

Exclusion Criteria:

1. any implants, conditions, etc. that do not comply with 7T (Tesla) fMRI research safety standards (e.g., pacemaker, pregnancy/possible pregnancy)
2. history of significant head injury/lengthy loss of consciousness (e.g., a Glasgow Coma Scale Score \< 15 at the time of incident as assessed retrospectively by participant)
3. significant untreated medical illness
4. history of neurological or neurodevelopmental disorder
5. history of any pervasive developmental disorder
6. lifetime bipolar or psychotic disorder
7. alcohol/substance abuse or dependence within the last 3 months
8. extensive narcotic use (e.g., fentanyl, oxycodone, etc.)
9. anyone who would not be suitable for short-term treatment (as determined by our pre-treatment assessment)
10. suicide attempt in last 6 months

Where it's running

• London Health Sciences Centre - University Hospital
  London, Ontario, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Ruth Lanius, MD, PhD — Lawson Health Research/Western University/LHSC
• Study coordinator: Suzy - Coordinator
• Email: suzy.southwell@lhsc.on.ca
• Phone: 519-685-8500

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.