This Treatment Is Made for Walking: the Effect of 3MDR Exposure Does Not Differ for People with Varying Physical Activity Habits

Nadolna, Oliwia (2024) This Treatment Is Made for Walking: the Effect of 3MDR Exposure Does Not Differ for People with Varying Physical Activity Habits. Master thesis, Psychology.

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Abstract

This study explores the potential of Multidimensional Motion-assisted Memory Desensitization and Reconsolidation (3MDR) as an effective treatment for Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), considering the role of physical activity habits. 3MDR combines elements of PE and EMDR with physical movement and virtual reality (VR) to enhance emotional engagement through multisensory stimulation, which is thought to enhance the effectiveness of exposure treatment. Physical activity habits may potentially moderate the effects of treatment. This study hypothesized that high physical activity habits would positively moderate the effect of 3MDR on avoidance, distress, and vividness of PTSD symptoms. A trauma film paradigm was used to induce a stressful memory within the participants (N = 56) prior to the exposure task. Participants were divided into a movement group, which walked on a treadmill while recalling distressing film parts, and an exposure-only group, which performed the task standing still. The study found a small effect of exposure/time for both groups on changes in avoidance, distress, and vividness of PTSD symptoms, which were each measured with a question on their experience of the symptom scaled from 0-100. No effect was found for adding movement, except for distress. Nevertheless, no moderating effect of physical activity habits was found. Limitations potentially include a floor-effect, non-immersive VR equipment, and insufficient exercise intensity to evoke moderation. Despite these limitations, the study highlights the potential for refining 3MDR, and supports the literature on personalized treatment approaches. Future research could explore varied physical activities and more immersive VR environments to optimize 3MDR’s therapeutic benefits. Keywords: PTSD, 3MDR, exposure, virtual reality, physical activity habits

Item Type:	Thesis (Master)
Supervisor name:	Karsten, J. and Haart, O.F. de
Degree programme:	Psychology
Differentiation route:	Clinical Forensic Psychology and Victimology (FP) [Master Psychology]
Date Deposited:	16 Jul 2024 07:26
Last Modified:	16 Jul 2024 07:26
URI:	http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3914

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