Phoenix Australia conducts innovative research within military and veterans’ services, hospitals, health and community settings, emergency services, industry and workplace sectors and compensation environments.
Find out morePhoenix Australia are the experts in evidence-based trauma treatments and are funded to offer mental health clinical services to key population groups.
Find out morePhoenix Australia is proud to partner with Government departments, agencies and other treatment providers to make a meaningful difference in our communities.
Traumatic events are common and most people will experience at least one during their lives.
Find out morePhoenix Australia can work with your organisation or team to build capacity in understanding, preventing and promoting recovery from trauma and other adversity. Our services include policy development, practice implementation, research, training and advice.
Find out moreThis trial is investigating whether aerobic exercise, in combination with psychological treatment, can improve PTSD symptoms.
Prolonged exposure (PE) therapy is the current gold standard treatment for PTSD. The BDNF trial is investigating whether treatment outcomes for PE can be improved by increasing levels of a protein called brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) through aerobic exercise. Eligible participants would receive treatment using PE at no cost, combined with either aerobic exercise or gentle stretching.
REGISTER INTERESTThis study is suitable for participants who:*
Are over the age of 18.
Have PTSD following a traumatic event.
Currently live in Victoria.
Have access to equipment for video conferencing (i.e. computer and internet) for telehealth.
Are able to attend weekly sessions.
Have good English comprehension.
Are able to safely engage in aerobic exercise (that is, do not have a health condition such as heart, lung or muscle problems).
*Unfortunately, this trial is not suitable for individuals who have been diagnosed with a current psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia, or bipolar affective disorder or mania, or a severe drug or alcohol use disorder.
Furthermore, this trial is not suitable for people who are unable to guarantee their own current safety (i.e. have active suicidality, deliberate self-harm or a current victim/survivor of family violence), or the safety of another (e.g. a perpetrator of violence).
Participation involves:
Eligible participants will receive treatment at no cost.
Please note: Consent for the research team to communicate with participant’s GP is a requirement for entering into this trial. Participants are encouraged to share this website information with their GP and other health professionals when expressing interest in this research.
For more information about the possible benefits and risks of participating in treatment at the Phoenix Australia Traumatic Stress Clinic please read our Plain Language Statement.
Referrers are welcome to contact us if they would like to refer a client.
For additional details on how referrers can support their clients access the BDNF trial at the Phoenix Australia Traumatic Stress Clinic, please see the attached Frequently Asked Questions document.
This trial is being conducted by Professor Kim Felmingham from the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, the University of Melbourne, in collaboration with the Phoenix Australia Traumatic Stress Clinic, an initiative of Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, the Australian national centre of excellence in posttraumatic mental health, affiliated with the University of Melbourne.
This research project has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of The University of Melbourne (ID Number: 1954422.8).
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Phoenix Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and pays respect to all Elders, past and present. We acknowledge continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to land, water and communities—places of age-old ceremonies, of celebration and renewal—and their unique contribution in the life of these lands.
We are committed to fostering an environment in which the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their fellow Australians is characterised by a deep mutual respect, leading to positive change in our nation’s culture and capacity.
Phoenix Australia are experts in trauma-related mental health and wellbeing. For 25 years, we have been Australia’s National Centre of Excellence in Posttraumatic Mental Health and internationally recognised leaders in our field. We are committed to driving forward the mental health agenda both at home and abroad.
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