Smaller hippocampal volume is associated with reduced posttraumatic
stress symptoms in pediatric cancer patients and survivors following a
brief novel martial arts-based intervention
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.