Study to examine exercise and post-traumatic stress disorder

Posted: September 20, 2012 8:30 a.m.

Matthew Fetzner puts a volunteer through her paces on a cardio bike. Photo: External Relations

University of Regina graduate student Mathew Fetzner is looking for a few good men and women, who have recently suffered a traumatic event. Fetzner, a doctoral student in the Department of Psychology is running a treatment study for individuals who have experienced a traumatic event and display symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

“Research tells us that this same protocol that we are offering works to reduce symptoms of depression and certain types of anxiety;” said Fetzner. “However, nobody has investigated whether or not this works for the anxiety that can sometimes follow a traumatic event – this is what we are curious about.”

Fetzner's treatment study involves two weeks of aerobic exercise supervised by a certified personal trainer, as well as state-of-the-art physical and psychological testing. The research will study the effects of aerobic exercise on reducing post-traumatic stress disorder, which could ultimately relieve the physical and mental suffering of thousands of people while reducing the economic burden on Canada's healthcare system. This is the first study of its kind to be run in Canada.

“We have received a very positive response from those who have already completed the study,” said Fetzner. “Overall, our hope for participants is that the study will help them feel better emotionally and physically, and reduce their symptoms of anxiety following a trauma.”

Last year, Fetzner was awarded the prestigious Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship. It was the first time the scholarship had been awarded to a doctoral student at the University of Regina.

Interested participants can check if they are eligible by going to www.surveymonkey.com/s/uofrcardio to fill out a short screening questionnaire, or call 306-337-2473.