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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07474259

Aerobic Exercise Intervention for PTSD Symptoms and Sleep Quality After Earthquake

This randomized controlled trial aims to examine the effects of a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and sleep quality among earthquake survivors living in temporary accommodation centers. Participants are randomly assigned to either an exercise intervention group or a control group. The intervention group participates in supervised aerobic exercise sessions twice per week for three weeks. PTSD symptoms and sleep quality are assessed before and after the intervention using validated measurement tools. The study aims to provide evidence on the effectiveness of structured aerobic exercise in improving psychological well-being and sleep quality among individuals affected by natural disasters.

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Key information

Conditions

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Dyssomnias Mental Disorders Nervous System Diseases Parasomnias Sleep Disorders, Intrinsic Sleep Disturbance Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders Sleep Wake Disorders Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders, Traumatic Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders

Age range

16 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Malatya Turgut Ozal University Training and Research Hospital

Malatya, 44330, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Natural disasters such as earthquakes can lead to significant psychological consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sleep disturbances. Individuals who experience earthquakes and continue to live in temporary accommodation conditions may remain exposed to ongoing stressors that negatively affect their mental health and overall well-being.

Physical activity has been suggested as a potentially beneficial non-pharmacological intervention for improving psychological health and sleep quality. Aerobic exercise in particular has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and regulate sleep patterns. However, there is limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of structured aerobic exercise programs for earthquake survivors living in temporary settlement areas.

This randomized controlled study investigates the effects of a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program on PTSD symptoms and sleep quality among adult earthquake survivors residing in temporary accommodation centers. Participants who meet the inclusion criteria are randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group participates in supervised aerobic exercise sessions conducted twice per week for three weeks, resulting in a total of six exercise sessions. The control group continues their routine daily activities without participating in the exercise program.

Outcome measures include PTSD symptom severity and sleep quality assessed before and after the intervention using validated scales. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of evidence-based psychosocial and behavioral interventions aimed at improving mental health outcomes among populations affected by natural disasters.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Experienced the February 6, 2023 earthquake
  • Aged between 18 and 65 years
  • Able to read and understand Turkish
  • Provided written informed consent to participate

Exclusion criteria

  • Younger than 18 years or older than 65 years
  • Incomplete or invalid questionnaire responses
  • Insufficient literacy to complete the study instruments
  • History of severe psychiatric diagnosis

Treatment and study plan

Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Exercise Program

Behavioral

A structured moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program delivered in group sessions over three weeks. The program consisted of six sessions including warm-up exercises, aerobic activity, and cool-down periods. The intervention aimed to reduce posttraumatic stress symptoms and improve sleep quality among earthquake survivors living in temporary accommodation settings.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms

    Time frame: Baseline and 3 weeks (post-intervention)

    Posttraumatic stress symptom severity measured using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Scores will be compared between baseline and post-intervention to evaluate the effect of the aerobic exercise program.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Sleep Quality

    Time frame: Baseline and 3 weeks (post-intervention)

    Sleep quality assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Malatya Turgut Ozal University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Aerobic Exercise on PTSD and Sleep: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: EX-PTSD

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Mar 16, 2026
Registry last updated
Mar 17, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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