Exercise Training to Improve PTSD Symptoms and Health in Older Veterans

Who can take part

• Veteran status
• registered for care at Durham VA Health Care System (VAHCS)
• live within 50 miles of fitness facility
• meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD as assessed by the CAPS-5

Who cannot take part

• prominent suicidal ideation or hospitalization for suicidality in the previous 6 months
• history of any psychiatric disorder with severe psychotic features in the past 5 years (e.g., bipolar disorder, mania), as indicated by ICD-10 codes F20-F29 (ICD-9 category 298.9)
• clinically significant: neurological disorder, systemic illness affecting central nervous system (CNS) function, or history of seizure disorder in the past 5 years
• uncontrolled diabetes defined as:; Abnormal fasting plasma glucose 126 mg/dL, random plasma glucose 200 mg/dL; no active medications for diabetes management (Metformin, insulin, etc.); no clinical notes in the patient's electronic health record (EHR) indicating monitoring by primary care physician (PCP) or Endo for diabetes management); end stage liver disease or currently receiving dialysis; physical disabilities precluding use of exercise equipment (assistive mobility devices acceptable); significant cognitive impairment or diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia; hospitalization or ER visit in the past 6 months for conditions contraindicated for exercise (cardiac event; physical trauma)