Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment (SMART) Study (SMART)

This study will investigate whether a movement and body-based treatment can benefit adults with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The treatment is called Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment, or "SMART", and study participation involves 8 sessions of SMART, as well as pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up assessments.

This study will investigate the use of SMART (Sensory Motor Arousal Regulation Treatment) with adults experiencing symptoms related to PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). In addition to the more well-known symptoms of PTSD (e.g., intrusive memories, avoidance, hypervigilance, and emotion dysregulation), chronic traumatic stress seems to overwhelm the brain's capacity to make sense of sensory information, affecting how traumatized people experience their own bodies and their surroundings. SMART builds on the sensory integration theory of intentionally engaging the senses via movement, touch, body awareness, and balance. The SMART protocol has been used effectively to treat children who have experienced psychological trauma, and the investigators will be investigating its use with adults. Participants enrolled in the study will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment conditions - i) SMART, or ii) wait list (i.e., delayed treatment). Study participation will involve 8, 1-hour sessions of SMART, as well as pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 3-month follow-up assessments. For those assigned to the wait list condition, the same 8 SMART sessions will be offered after the 3-month follow-up assessment is complete, with no further assessment required.

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

This is a study investigating SMART as an intervention for symptoms of PTSD. Participants will be randomized to one of two conditions: SMART or Wait List (i.e., delayed treatment), and both groups will be assessed at 3 time points.

Participants in the active SMART condition will complete 8 individual, 1-hour, weekly sessions of SMART with a therapist, as well as pre-treatment, post-treatment and 3-month follow-up assessments.

Participants in the Wait List condition will receive no treatment for approximately 8 weeks, and they will be asked to complete pre-wait list, post-wait list and 3-month follow-up assessments. After all assessments have been completed, this group will be offered the same 8 individual, 1-hour, weekly sessions of SMART (no further assessments needed).

A movement and body-based intervention in which participants are encouraged to explore the use of sensory equipment, which may help reduce symptoms related to psychological trauma/PTSD. Sensory equipment includes exercise balls, mini-trampoline, weighted blankets, and a hammock swing.

Change in Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) score from pre-treatment to post-treatment assessment.

Gold standard, clinician-administered PTSD assessment tool; min. score=0, max.=80, with higher scores representing greater PTSD symptoms

Change in Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) score from post-treatment to 3-month follow-up assessment.

Gold standard, clinician-administered PTSD assessment tool; min. score=0, max.=80, with higher scores representing greater PTSD symptoms

Change in Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA-II) score from pre-treatment to post-treatment assessment.

A state-trait, self-report questionnaire with 32 items to measure multiple dimensions of interoception (e.g., awareness of the senses). Higher scores indicate beneficial self-reported interoception.

Change in Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA-II) score from post-treatment to 3-month follow-up assessment.

A state-trait, self-report questionnaire with 32 items to measure multiple dimensions of interoception (e.g., awareness of the senses). Higher scores indicate beneficial self-reported interoception.

Change in Sensory-Motor function as assessed by Sensory-Motor assessment from pre-treatment to post-treatment assessment.

Inclusion Criteria: Adults, aged 18-65 A primary diagnosis of PTSD as determined by our pre-treatment assessment Ability to provide informed consent Fluency in written and spoken English (to be able to complete assessments) Exclusion Criteria: any implants, conditions, etc. that do not comply with 7T (Tesla) fMRI research safety standards (e.g., pacemaker, pregnancy/possible pregnancy) 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) significant untreated medical illness history of neurological or neurodevelopmental disorder history of any pervasive developmental disorder lifetime bipolar or psychotic disorder alcohol/substance abuse or dependence within the last 3 months extensive narcotic use (e.g., fentanyl, oxycodone, etc.) anyone who would not be suitable for short-term treatment (as determined by our pre-treatment assessment) suicide attempt in last 6 months

Only coded data will be shared with co-investigators who are registered with the study's ethics board application.

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