Trauma-informed telehealth exercise program for women veterans with histories of sexual violence
Developing and Testing a Trauma-Informed Exercise Intervention for Women Veterans With Histories of Sexual Violence
We will try a trauma-informed telehealth exercise program for women veterans who experienced sexual violence to see if it improves their physical, mental, and daily functioning.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06746740 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project will develop a trauma-informed exercise program tailored for women veterans with histories of sexual violence, using feedback from survivors and providers to shape content. The intervention is delivered via telehealth and adapts principles from prior veteran and PTSD exercise programs. Phase one involves pre-implementation stakeholder interviews to refine structure and content, followed by feasibility and acceptability testing among women veterans who are insufficiently active and report functional difficulties. Exploratory outcomes will include changes in physical activity, mental health symptoms, and daily functioning to inform future larger trials.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women veterans aged 21–65 with a lifetime history of sexual violence who are currently not meeting activity guidelines, report some functional difficulties, and can access a safe, private location for virtual sessions.
Not a fit: Patients with recent severe substance use disorders, uncontrolled medical or neurological conditions, significant cognitive or physical impairments that prevent use of exercise equipment, recent seizures, or those unable to secure private space for telehealth are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could increase exercise participation and improve physical, mental, and psychosocial functioning for women veterans affected by sexual violence.
How similar studies have performed: Prior exercise programs have shown benefits for trauma-related symptoms and for veterans with PTSD, but a trauma-informed telehealth program specifically tailored for women veterans with sexual violence history is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veteran self-identifies as woman * has a history of sexual violence at any point in their lifetime * between the ages of 21 an 65 * currently does not meet physical activity level guidelines * reports some functional difficulties that indicate some interference in daily life * safe and private location to engage in the virtual exercise program Exclusion Criteria: * does not identify a safe and private location for exercise participation * severe drug or alcohol use disorder within the past year * clinically significant: * neurological disorder * systemic illness affecting central nervous system function * history of seizure disorder in the past 5 years * uncontrolled diabetes * end stage liver disease or currently receiving dialysis * physical disabilities precluding use of exercise equipment * significant cognitive impairment * active signs and symptoms of CVD * metabolic * renal disease * if taking antidepressants must have stable regimen * if in psychotherapy maintain therapy throughout trial
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michelle M Pebole, PhD MA — VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain Campus, Jamaica Plain, MA
- Study coordinator: Michelle M Pebole, PhD MA
- Email: michelle.pebole@va.gov
- Phone: (857) 364-4989
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.