An interventional study of Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Exercise Program in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Sleep Disturbance, sponsored by Malatya Turgut Ozal University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Open to participants aged 16 Years to 65 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-03-17.
Sponsored by Malatya Turgut Ozal University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
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.
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.
2,682 studies on the registry are indexed under Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; 601 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 82 is above the median of 69 across 2,196 interventional studies indexed under Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic.
Browse Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic studies →Malatya Turgut Ozal University is the lead sponsor of 9 studies on the registry; 1 is open to participants now.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Informed consent
Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.
You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Participants assigned to this group participated in a structured moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program consisting of six group sessions delivered over three weeks. Each session included warm-up, aerobic exercise activities, and cool-down exercises. The program was designed to improve posttraumatic stress symptoms and sleep quality among earthquake survivors.
Behavioral: Moderate-Intensity Aerobic Exercise Program
Participants in the control group did not receive any structured exercise intervention during the study period and continued their usual daily routines.
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.
Change in Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms
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.
Time frame: Baseline and 3 weeks (post-intervention)
Sleep Quality
Sleep quality assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
Time frame: Baseline and 3 weeks (post-intervention)
Plan to share: No — Individual participant data will not be shared due to ethical and confidentiality considerations. The dataset contains potentially identifiable information from earthquake survivors residing in temporary accommodation settings, and sharing individual-level data could compromise participant privacy.
Ran from Sep 2025 to primary completion in Feb 2026, 5 months.
Of 1,064 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, half reached primary completion within 35 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 17 and three quarters within 53. This study's 5 months is below that.
Counting every sponsor, half of 1,092 studies reached it within 34 months; a quarter within 17 and three quarters within 53.
How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.
This study is completed, as verified in Mar 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Malatya Turgut Ozal University