An Integrative, Digital Health Approach to Veteran-Centered PTSD Care

The goal of this study is to test the effectiveness of a stress self-management mobile health system (smartphone app + wearable sensor) alongside an intense physical cycling intervention to reduce symptoms of stress in a veteran population. The main questions this study aims to answer are: Does a mobile stress self-management system alongside intensive physical activity reduce the amount of physiologically detected, via machine-learning algorithm, stressful moments or PTSD hyperarousals? Can a mobile stress self-management system alongside intensive physical activity reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression on self-assessments like PCL-5, GAD-7, and PHQ-8? Participants will: Use a stress self-management system called First Watch Device (FWD) and confirm/deny detected stress moments on the app for a 2 month period. Use FWD self-management features as coping stragies for mental health and stressors for a 2 month period. Participate in the Project Hero 1-week Ride 2 Recovery Challenge events in the middle of the study.

NCT Number	NCT06993012
Lead Sponsor	Texas A&M University
Conditions	PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression/Anxiety
Enrollment	36 participants
Start Date	2025-04-21
Primary Completion	2026-06 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-07 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-03-02