Yoga combined with EMDR for treating complex trauma

EMDR Pre-treatment Yoga for Complex Trauma Randomized Controlled Comparative Study

Not applicable Interventional Centre hospitalier de Ville-Evrard, France · NCT04431531

This study is testing whether combining yoga with EMDR can help women with complex PTSD from childhood sexual abuse feel better than just using EMDR alone.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment66 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexFemale
SponsorCentre hospitalier de Ville-Evrard, France Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Neuilly-sur-Marne and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04431531 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of a combination of yoga therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) on women diagnosed with Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) due to childhood sexual abuse. Participants will undergo 10 sessions of yoga therapy alongside EMDR, while a control group will receive EMDR alone. The study aims to assess whether the integration of yoga can enhance the effectiveness of EMDR in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving emotional regulation. Previous research has indicated that yoga can significantly alleviate PTSD symptoms, and this study seeks to explore its synergistic potential with EMDR.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 18 to 70 who meet the diagnostic criteria for Complex PTSD related to childhood sexual abuse.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological disorders, severe somatic diseases, or those unable to provide informed consent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a more effective treatment option for women suffering from complex trauma.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown significant reductions in PTSD symptoms with yoga therapy, indicating potential success for this combined approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

. Women

* Meets diagnostic criteria for Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder according to ICD-11 criteria, related to childhood sexual abuse
* PCL-5 must be at least 45
* Age between 18 and 70.
* Free, informed and signed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

Neurological disorders

* Pregnant women
* Severe and/or unstable somatic diseases
* Diseases resulting in serious motor disorders (e.g. people paralyzed)
* Patient not affiliated with social security, State Medical Aid (AME)
* Patient hospitalized under stress in psychiatric care at the decision of the state representative or in psychiatric care at the request of a third party,
* Patient under guardianship, curatorship and protection of justice
* Patient participating in parallel biomedical research
* French language not mastered
* Persons unable to give consent

Where this trial is running

Neuilly-sur-Marne and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Trauma, PsychologicalYogatherapy-EMDR-psychiatry
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.