Aerobic exercise and consolidation of fear extinction learning among women with posttraumatic stress disorder. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crombie, Kevin M.; Sartin-Tarm, Anneliis; Sellnow, Kyrie; Ahrenholtz, Rachel; Lee, Sierra; Matalamaki, Megan; Adams, Tom G.; Cisler, Josh M.
• Is Part Of: Behaviour research and therapy. Volume 142(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Fear recall -- Fear reinstatement -- Fear responding -- Exposure-therapy -- Return of fear -- Exercise; Cognitive therapy -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.891
• DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2021.103867
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0005-7967

Abstract

Abstract: This study tested whether aerobic exercise delivered during the consolidation window following fear extinction learning reduces the return of fear among women with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants ( n =35) completed an initial clinical assessment followed by a 3-day fear acquisition, extinction, and recall protocol. On day 1, participants completed a fear acquisition training task in which one geometric shape (conditioning stimulus; CS+) was paired (with 50% probability) with a mild electric shock (unconditioned stimulus; US), while a different shape (CS-) was never paired with the US. On day 2 (24 h later), participants completed a fear extinction training task in which the CS+ no longer predicted administration of the US. Shortly following extinction, participants were randomly assigned to complete either moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (EX) or a light-intensity exercise control (CON) condition. On day 3 (24 h later), participants completed fear recall tests assessing the return of fear (spontaneous recovery, renewal, and reinstatement). Fear responding was assessed via threat expectancy ratings and skin conductance responses (SCR). In the threat expectancy ratings, there were no significant differences between groups in spontaneous recovery; however, EX significantly ( p =.02) reduced threat expectancy ratings following reinstatement relative to CON. In SCR measures, there were no significant differences between groups in spontaneous recovery, renewal, or reinstatement. These results support a role for moderate-intensity aerobic exercise during the consolidation window in reducing threat expectations following reinstatement in women with PTSD. Research should continue to examine exercise as a potential method for improving the efficacy of exposure-based therapies. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04113798. Highlights: Fear extinction paradigms are widely used as a model of exposure therapy in PTSD. Women with PTSD completed exercise (or control) following fear extinction training. 24 h later, participants completed fear recall tests assessing return of fear. Exercise during the consolidation window decreased threat expectancy ratings following reinstatement compared to control. Exercise may be a promising candidate for improving exposure-based therapies in PTSD.