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Smaller hippocampal volume is associated with reduced posttraumatic stress symptoms in pediatric cancer patients and survivors following a brief novel martial arts-based intervention
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  • Hilary Marusak,
  • Julia M. Evanski,
  • Allesandra Iadipaolo,
  • Samantha L. Ely,
  • Clara G. Zundel,
  • Leah Gowatch,
  • Amanpreet Bhogal,
  • Zazai Owens,
  • Cindy Cohen,
  • Elimelech Goldberg,
  • Martin Bluth,
  • Jeffrey Taub,
  • Felicity Harper,
  • Christine Rabinak
Hilary Marusak
Wayne State University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Julia M. Evanski
Wayne State University
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Allesandra Iadipaolo
Wayne State University
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Samantha L. Ely
Wayne State University
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Clara G. Zundel
Wayne State University
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Leah Gowatch
Wayne State University
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Amanpreet Bhogal
Wayne State University
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Zazai Owens
Wayne State University
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Cindy Cohen
Kids Kicking Cancer
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Elimelech Goldberg
Wayne State University
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Martin Bluth
Wayne State University
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Jeffrey Taub
Wayne State University
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Felicity Harper
Wayne State University
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Christine Rabinak
Wayne State University
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Abstract

Pediatric cancer patients and survivors frequently report posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), which are associated with variation in stress-sensitive brain regions, including the hippocampus. We examined the impact of a novel, four-week martial-arts-based meditative intervention on cancer-related PTSS in pediatric patients and survivors, and whether hippocampal volumes at baseline correlate with PTSS severity and/or changes in PTSS over time. PTSS did not significantly change from baseline to post-intervention. However, smaller hippocampal volume was correlated with more severe re-experiencing PTSS at baseline, and greater reductions in PTSS post intervention. Together, hippocampal volume may be a biomarker of PTSS severity and intervention response.