Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Phase 2/3NCT07756723
The Many Roads to Trauma Recovery: A Clinical Trial Comparing Empirically Supported Treatments for Veterans With Co-Morbid Posttraumatic Stress and Substance Use Disorder Symptoms
A Phase 2/3 study testing Trauma Informed Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback and Present Centered Therapy in people with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD), run by Coatesville VA Medical Center at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
Veterans with co-morbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUDs) are at substantial risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases that often lead to premature death, with some evidence that they may die over 10 years earlier than their counterparts. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
- What is being tested?
- Trauma Informed Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback and Present Centered Therapy
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 50 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- Aug 2026to Aug 2030
- Phase
- Phase 2/3
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- PTSD diagnosis
- Enrolled in VA healthcare
- Attending residential programming at CVAMC
- Current substance use difficulty based on screening questions
Who cannot join
- Non-English speaking
- Inability to complete study procedures
- Lack competency to provide consent
- Acute intoxication of a substance
- Active psychotic symptoms at the study visit
- Suicidal or homicidal ideation with intent and planning
- Pacemaker or other cardiovascular implants.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Coatesville VA Medical Center
Coatesville, Pennsylvania, 19320
Alexander A Puhalla, Ph.D., 610-384-7711 ext. x2848, alexander.puhalla@va.gov
About this study
Veterans with co-morbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUDs) are at substantial risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases that often lead to premature death, with some evidence that they may die over 10 years earlier than their counterparts. As such, determining ways to improve their health outcomes is vital. Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) may be one way to restore autonomic balance and teach veterans with PTSD / SUDs how to respond differently to their symptoms. Multiple studies have found that HRVB not only improves autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation / flexibility among veterans with PTSD, but also reduces PTSD symptoms. Additionally, there is evidence that HRVB reduces cravings and SUD symptoms. Currently it is proposed that the improvement in the PTSD and SUD symptoms are due to a combination of improving ANS regulation and veterans utilizing the HRVB techniques as coping strategies for their symptoms. Yet, none of these studies examined how HRVB versus other active interventions differentially effected symptoms and physiological outcomes. It may be useful to examine HRVB to other active interventions . The current project proposes to alleviate this gap by examining the effects of HRVB to one a active control condition (i.e., Present Centered Psychotherapy; PCT) among 50-residential veterans engaging in PTSD residential programming. Veterans will be recruited from residential programs at the Coatesville VAMC and screened for probable PTSD and an active (i.e., past year) SUD. If eligible, they will attend a brief visit that will include being randomized, engaging in a diagnostic interview, a battery of questionnaires related to PTSD / SUDs, attached to physiology equipment, and then complete 3 tasks (i.e., baseline task, emotion induction, and HRVB or Self-Compassion Break). Upon task completion, all veterans will be screened for risk and begin one of the conditions. Similar research procedures will be conducted after their final session. This study would provide evidence for the real-world effectiveness of HRVB compared to a control condition among one of the highest risk populations treated at the VA, which may provide invaluable insight into active mind-body treatments for veterans with PTSD / SUD.
- Being tested
- Trauma Informed Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback, Present Centered Therapy
- Keywords
- PTSD, SUD, Veterans, HRV, Biofeedback
- Medical subject headings
- Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Substance-Related Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Trauma Informed Heart Rate Variability BiofeedbackBehavioural
please see description in the arm of the study for details.
Present Centered TherapyBehavioural
please see description in the arm of the study for details.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Trauma Informed Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (T-HRVB) | Experimental | HRVB is a specific intervention that increases HRV by finding the optimal breathing frequency that will synchronize with HR oscillations (i.e., between 4 to 7 breaths per minute), increase the amount and intensity of HR variation while engaging in the biofeedback, and overtime improve HRV and overall functioning by activating both the vagus nerve and baroreceptor during practice. T-HRVB is a six session flexible protocol that integrates active trauma informed psychotherapy into HRVB, as well as scaffolds breathing skills based on the needs of population and encourages the use of these skills as active coping skills (Puhalla et al., 2026). Additionally, active psychotherapy skills are utilized throughout to bolster a sense of agency and engagement with the techniques. Receives: Behavioral: Trauma Informed Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback |
| Present Centered Therapy (PCT) | Active comparator | The PCT condition will be the study's control condition where veterans will engage in six sessions. While PCT has shown some effect on improving PTSD symptoms, , it is generally a non-specific therapeutic modality where the therapist provides support and validation for the patient and encouragement towards their goal of stress reduction. In accordance with the study, six sessions will be provided with the psychoeducation on PTSD and the homework sheet being provided in session one since an intake has already occurred with their non-research provider. Receives: Behavioral: Present Centered Therapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 Revised
The CAPS-5-R is the newest version of the CAPS-5, which is a structured diagnostic interview for PTSD based on the PTSD criteria in the DSM-5. All 20 symptoms of PTSD are assessed in relation to a patient's index event, which is then rated on a zero to ten severity scale with qualitative and quantitative indicators for each level of severity. Throughout the assessment symptoms that are less trauma specific include a prompt to determine if the symptom is related to the index event. The CAPS-5-R will be the studies primary outcome variable for PTSD symptom severity.
Measured: The CAPS-5-R is conducted at the pre and post treatment visit, which typically will occur during the 1st week of treatment and the last. However, due to scheduling needs may occur a prior (pre) or following (post) week.
Heart Rate (HR)
Heart Rate will be utilized as the study's primary measure of overall autonomic arousal.
Measured: Assessed at the pre and post treatment visits, with the primary outcome being the baseline measures of the variable.
Respiratory Sinus Arrythmia
To determine parasympathetic activity, the R-spike to R-spike interval will go through a Fourier transformation and the amount of power that occurs in the high frequency range (0.15-0.04 Hz) will be used as our measure of vagal mediated parasympathetic activity, also known as RSA.
Measured: Assessed at the pre and post treatment visits, with the primary outcome being the baseline measures of the variable.
Skin Conductance Level
Resting Skin Conductance Level may be used as proxy of sympathetic activity at rest, which is collected through a skin conductance monitor on the participants palm / fingers.
Measured: Assessed at the pre and post treatment visits, with the primary outcome being the baseline measures of the variable.
Secondary outcomes (3)
PTSD Symptom Checklist for the DSM-5 (PCL-5)
The PCL-5 is 20-item self-report questionnaire that assesses each symptom of PTSD on a 5-point Likert Scale. The PCL-5 will be used to assess for PTSD symptom severity
Measured: Provided at the pre and post treatment visit, which typically will occur during the 1st week of treatment and the last. However, due to scheduling needs may occur a prior (pre) or following (post) week.
Root Mean Square of Successive Differences (Rmssd)
Rmssd is a time-domain measure of vagal mediated parasympathetic activity that is determined by calculating the root mean square of successive differences within a heart beat to heart beat interval (R to R interval). It is commonly used as a proxy for parasmypathetic activity or regulation.
Measured: Rmssd will be assessed at the pre and post treatment visits, with the baseline measure being a primary outcome at both timepoints.
Standard Deviation between Normal to Nrmal intervals (SDNN).
SDNN is a time domain HRV measure that acts as a proxy for overall autonomic nervous system activity and health, with greater levels usually indicative of greater health.
Measured: Assessed at the pre and post treatment visits, with the primary outcome being the baseline measures of the variable.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 Aug 2026
- Study startAug 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionAug 2029 (estimated)
- Study completionAug 2030 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 2/3
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Coatesville VA Medical Center
- Sponsor type
- US federal agency
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Alexander Puhalla, Coatesville VA Medical Center
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07756723
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 1882489
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 7 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 11 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Directly states within the consent form that the data would not be shared outside of the research team due to the high sensitivity of the data being collected.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 11 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Many Roads to Trauma Recovery: A Clinical Trial Comparing Empirically Supported Treatments for Veterans With Co-Morbid Posttraumatic Stress and Substance Use Disorder Symptoms
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07756723
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 1882489
- Keywords
- PTSD, SUD, Veterans, HRV, Biofeedback
- Phase
- Phase 2/3
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Coatesville VA Medical CenterUS federal agency
- Study start
- Aug 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Aug 2029 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Aug 2030 (estimated)
- First posted
- 11 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Veterans with co-morbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUDs) are at substantial risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases that often lead to premature death, with some evidence that they may die over 10 years earlier than their counterparts. As such, determining ways to improve their health outcomes is vital. Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (HRVB) may be one way to restore autonomic balance and teach veterans with PTSD / SUDs how to respond differently to their symptoms. Multiple studies have found that HRVB not only improves autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation / flexibility among veterans with PTSD, but also reduces PTSD symptoms. Additionally, there is evidence that HRVB reduces cravings and SUD symptoms. Currently it is proposed that the improvement in the PTSD and SUD symptoms are due to a combination of improving ANS regulation and veterans utilizing the HRVB techniques as coping strategies for their symptoms. Yet, none of these studies examined how HRVB versus other active interventions differentially effected symptoms and physiological outcomes. It may be useful to examine HRVB to other active interventions . The current project proposes to alleviate this gap by examining the effects of HRVB to one a active control condition (i.e., Present Centered Psychotherapy; PCT) among 50-residential veterans engaging in PTSD residential programming. Veterans will be recruited from residential programs at the Coatesville VAMC and screened for probable PTSD and an active (i.e., past year) SUD. If eligible, they will attend a brief visit that will include being randomized, engaging in a diagnostic interview, a battery of questionnaires related to PTSD / SUDs, attached to physiology equipment, and then complete 3 tasks (i.e., baseline task, emotion induction, and HRVB or Self-Compassion Break). Upon task completion, all veterans will be screened for risk and begin one of the conditions. Similar research procedures will be conducted after their final session. This study would provide evidence for the real-world effectiveness of HRVB compared to a control condition among one of the highest risk populations treated at the VA, which may provide invaluable insight into active mind-body treatments for veterans with PTSD / SUD.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Trauma Informed Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (T-HRVB) | Experimental | Behavioral: Trauma Informed Heart Rate Variability BiofeedbackHRVB is a specific intervention that increases HRV by finding the optimal breathing frequency that will synchronize with HR oscillations (i.e., between 4 to 7 breaths per minute), increase the amount and intensity of HR variation while engaging in the biofeedback, and overtime improve HRV and overall functioning by activating both the vagus nerve and baroreceptor during practice. T-HRVB is a six session flexible protocol that integrates active trauma informed psychotherapy into HRVB, as well as scaffolds breathing skills based on the needs of population and encourages the use of these skills as active coping skills (Puhalla et al., 2026). Additionally, active psychotherapy skills are utilized throughout to bolster a sense of agency and engagement with the techniques. |
| Present Centered Therapy (PCT) | Active comparator | Behavioral: Present Centered TherapyThe PCT condition will be the study's control condition where veterans will engage in six sessions. While PCT has shown some effect on improving PTSD symptoms, , it is generally a non-specific therapeutic modality where the therapist provides support and validation for the patient and encouragement towards their goal of stress reduction. In accordance with the study, six sessions will be provided with the psychoeducation on PTSD and the homework sheet being provided in session one since an intake has already occurred with their non-research provider. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- PTSD diagnosis
- Enrolled in VA healthcare
- Attending residential programming at CVAMC
- Current substance use difficulty based on screening questions
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Non-English speaking
- Inability to complete study procedures
- Lack competency to provide consent
- Acute intoxication of a substance
- Active psychotic symptoms at the study visit
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Trauma Informed Heart Rate Variability Biofeedbackplease see description in the arm of the study for details. | Behavioural | Trauma Informed Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (T-HRVB) |
| Present Centered Therapyplease see description in the arm of the study for details. | Behavioural | Present Centered Therapy (PCT) |
Primary outcome
Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 Revised
Time frame: The CAPS-5-R is conducted at the pre and post treatment visit, which typically will occur during the 1st week of treatment and the last. However, due to scheduling needs may occur a prior (pre) or following (post) week.
The CAPS-5-R is the newest version of the CAPS-5, which is a structured diagnostic interview for PTSD based on the PTSD criteria in the DSM-5. All 20 symptoms of PTSD are assessed in relation to a patient's index event, which is then rated on a zero to ten severity scale with qualitative and quantitative indicators for each level of severity. Throughout the assessment symptoms that are less trauma specific include a prompt to determine if the symptom is related to the index event. The CAPS-5-R will be the studies primary outcome variable for PTSD symptom severity.
Heart Rate (HR)
Time frame: Assessed at the pre and post treatment visits, with the primary outcome being the baseline measures of the variable.
Heart Rate will be utilized as the study's primary measure of overall autonomic arousal.
Respiratory Sinus Arrythmia
Time frame: Assessed at the pre and post treatment visits, with the primary outcome being the baseline measures of the variable.
To determine parasympathetic activity, the R-spike to R-spike interval will go through a Fourier transformation and the amount of power that occurs in the high frequency range (0.15-0.04 Hz) will be used as our measure of vagal mediated parasympathetic activity, also known as RSA.
Skin Conductance Level
Time frame: Assessed at the pre and post treatment visits, with the primary outcome being the baseline measures of the variable.
Resting Skin Conductance Level may be used as proxy of sympathetic activity at rest, which is collected through a skin conductance monitor on the participants palm / fingers.
3 secondary outcomes
PTSD Symptom Checklist for the DSM-5 (PCL-5)
Time frame: Provided at the pre and post treatment visit, which typically will occur during the 1st week of treatment and the last. However, due to scheduling needs may occur a prior (pre) or following (post) week.
Root Mean Square of Successive Differences (Rmssd)
Time frame: Rmssd will be assessed at the pre and post treatment visits, with the baseline measure being a primary outcome at both timepoints.
Standard Deviation between Normal to Nrmal intervals (SDNN).
Time frame: Assessed at the pre and post treatment visits, with the primary outcome being the baseline measures of the variable.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 11 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Directly states within the consent form that the data would not be shared outside of the research team due to the high sensitivity of the data being collected.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 2/3 study testing Trauma Informed Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback and Present Centered Therapy in people with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD), run by Coatesville VA Medical Center at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this combined phase mean?
Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.
Phase 3 studies compare the treatment with the current standard treatment or a placebo in a large group, to confirm how well it works and watch for side effects.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Alexander A Puhalla, Ph.D. (610-384-7711 ext. x2848, alexander.puhalla@va.gov), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 Revised (time frame: The CAPS-5-R is conducted at the pre and post treatment visit, which typically will occur during the 1st week of treatment and the last. However, due to scheduling needs may occur a prior (pre) or following (post) week.). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 11 Aug 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.