A recent clinical trial in Alberta has delved into the potential benefits of combining walking with psychotherapy as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Researchers highlight that this approach, known as Multi-modal Motion-assisted Memory Desensitization and Reconsolidation (3MDR), has shown effectiveness in addressing PTSD symptoms.

While initial studies at the University of Alberta concentrated on veterans and active military personnel, the research scope has now expanded to encompass emergency responders and healthcare professionals. The trial results, published earlier this year, underscore the efficacy of 3MDR therapy.

Dr. Suzette Brémault-Phillips, an occupational therapist and professor at the University of Alberta, spearheads the research on 3MDR in Canada. She heads the Heroes in Mind Advocacy and Research Consortium (HiMARC), dedicated to bolstering the well-being of military members and veterans.

PTSD arises from exposure to traumatic events, leading to various challenges such as depression, anxiety, insomnia, and impaired social interactions. 3MDR involves a structured process that integrates talk therapy, visual stimuli, auditory cues, and physical movement, particularly walking.

During a 3MDR session, patients walk on a treadmill while viewing personalized triggering images displayed on screens. Therapists guide patients through recalling and processing these memories, strategically interrupting the process to aid in disconnection from the traumatic triggers.

The University of Alberta study involved 48 participants with PTSD, including individuals with treatment-resistant PTSD. Participants, including military personnel, veterans, first responders, and healthcare workers, underwent 3MDR therapy sessions lasting 10 to 14 weeks, each lasting about an hour.

Dr. Brémault-Phillips noted the remarkable outcomes observed with 3MDR, emphasizing its quicker and more profound effects compared to traditional PTSD treatments. The walking element of the therapy seems to assist patients in confronting and processing their traumatic experiences effectively.

Former Canadian military member Alex Petruk, while not a direct recipient of 3MDR therapy, expressed optimism about the treatment based on feedback from fellow veterans. He highlighted the physicality of walking in 3MDR sessions as a beneficial aspect that enhances engagement and focus during treatment.

Petruk emphasized the importance of creating a secure environment for veterans undergoing 3MDR therapy, enabling them to navigate traumatic memories effectively. He also suggested the potential for implementing 3MDR in diverse settings, including rural areas and military bases, to provide timely intervention for individuals exposed to trauma.

According to Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), 3MDR shows promise as a treatment approach for veterans with PTSD. VAC is closely monitoring emerging research on 3MDR and has offered eligible veterans the opportunity to participate in 3MDR research trials at operational stress injury clinics in Edmonton and Calgary.