The GALENOS project, or the Global Alliance for Living Evidence on aNxiety, depressiOn, and pSychosis, is dedicated to advancing mental health research by synthesising the existing evidence in pre-clinical and early-phase studies. One area of interest is the potential of exercise as an accessible and cost-effective add-on treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Exercise is well-known for its benefits to both physical and mental well-being. Recent findings suggest that it could be a valuable complement to traditional PTSD treatments such as psychotherapy and medication. However, the mechanisms by which exercise benefits individuals with PTSD are not yet fully understood.
Our research has demonstrated that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise such as cycling, swimming or a brisk walk can improve PTSD symptoms. One key mechanism may involve the regulation of anandamide levels, also known as AEA. AEA is an endocannabinoid neurotransmitter, a naturally occurring chemical messenger in the body that plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes. AEA plays an important role in fear extinction, reducing threat perceptions, and managing stress reactivity.
Interestingly, high-intensity exercise such as running or HIT work outs appears to only offer small, incremental benefits over moderate-intensity exercise, potentially by altering levels of a protein found I the brain called Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). However, further research is needed to confirm and expand on these findings.
Non-human studies provide strong support for the benefits of exercise in managing PTSD. However, the current version of our review identified few studies that seek to understand the biological mechanisms. Additionally, published studies are often of low quality or poorly designed, which can limit how useful the findings are in the real world.
There is a critical need for high-quality human randomised controlled trials to explore the effects of exercise as an add-on or stand-alone treatment for PTSD, as well as the mechanisms that cause these effects. Addressing these gaps through high-quality research, standardised and methodologically robust protocols, and longer-term monitoring of outcomes is a priority.
By continuing to investigate the benefits of exercise for PTSD, we hope to provide more effective and accessible treatment options for those affected by this condition.
