Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART) for PTSD

The Effects of Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART) on Adults With PTSD

We will try a movement- and body-based therapy called SMART to help adults with PTSD.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 80 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (London, Ontario)
• Trial ID: NCT06035809 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with a primary diagnosis of PTSD who can provide informed consent, are fluent in English, and live within 30 km of London, Ontario are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with bipolar or psychotic disorders, recent substance dependence, significant neurological conditions, or medical implants/conditions incompatible with 7T fMRI safety (including pregnancy) may not be suitable or benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, SMART could reduce PTSD symptoms and improve body awareness and emotional regulation for some adults.

How similar studies have performed: The SMART protocol has shown positive results in treating children exposed to trauma, but its use in adults is relatively novel and less well studied.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

London, Ontario

• 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

Conditions PTSD; Post-traumatic Stress Disorder; Body-based trauma therapy; Movement-based trauma therapy; Sensory-motor