Registration for participating in this study is now closed.

What Potential Volunteers Need to Know

About this study:  This research study explores whether muscle relaxation may help people who have both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and non-specific chronic low-back pain (nsCLBP). It involves a 1-day training and 4 weeks of practicing muscle relaxation on your own. The 1-day training will occur in-person. The study assessments will occur online via a secure service.

Further information about the study itself can be found at www.cygnustransformations.com/research-central/muscle-relaxation-study/.

Is this study a good fit for me?

You can take part in this research study if you meet the following qualifications:

1. You were diagnosed in the past with post-traumatic stress disorder, with symptoms that lasted at least six months.
2. You were diagnosed in the past with chronic low-back pain that is not directly related to illness or injury, with symptoms that lasted at least six months.
3. You can safely perform mild-intensity exercise.
4. You have adequate health insurance, or you have the financial resources to get medical or mental health care if you need it.
5. You are 18 years old or older.
6. You speak, read, and write English well enough to understand the study materials.
7. You are able to follow simple instructions, complete online surveys, and give informed consent in English.
8. You have reliable and consistent access to email and to the internet.
9. You have reliable transportation to and from the research training site. Public transportation is available at the training site.

You are not eligible to take part in this research study if any of the following are true:

1. You were hospitalized because of psychiatric illness in the past 18 months.
2. You were diagnosed with spinal cord injury or other serious illnesses which cause back pain.
3. You are currently using pain medications which are made from opiates.
4. You have an open lawsuit or workman’s compensation claim which involves either post-traumatic stress disorder or non-specific chronic low-back pain.
5. You have experienced suicidal ideation or attempted suicide in the past three months.
6. You were diagnosed with active psychosis in the past six months.
7. You perform regular, daily activities which include lifting more than 50 pounds. This may include paid work, work at home, or work which involves caring for others.
8. You are currently experiencing high levels of dissociation.
9. You are a woman who is pregnant, or is planning to become pregnant during the time period of the study. There is no current information regarding the safe use of Trauma Releasing Exercises during pregnancy.

To apply to take part in this study:

Registration for participating in this study is now closed.

If you have questions about this study, please contact the primary researcher, Beverly Swann, at bswann@saybrook.edu.