REVIEW PAPER
The effectiveness of various neurorehabilitation methods in post-traumatic stress disorder therapy: an umbrella review
 
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1
Department of Biological Principles of Physical Activity, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
 
2
St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, Spokane, Washington, USA
 
3
Department of Neurosurgery, Independent Public Healthcare Complex in Gryfice, Gryfice, Poland
 
4
Neural Injury Center, University of Montana, Missoula, USA
 
5
School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of Montana, Missoula, USA
 
6
General Tadeusz Kościuszko Military University of Land Forces, Wroclaw, Poland
 
7
Military Engineering and CBRN Training Centre, Wroclaw, Poland
 
8
Department of Clinical Psychology and Health, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
 
 
Submission date: 2025-11-26
 
 
Acceptance date: 2026-07-07
 
 
Online publication date: 2026-07-27
 
 
Corresponding author
Zofia Tomala   

Department of Biological Principles of Physical Activity, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Al. I.J. Paderewskiego 35, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland
 
 
 
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a complex neurologically mediated mental health condition that requires innovative therapeutic approaches. This umbrella review focuses on neuromodulation techniques, such as virtual reality, transcranial direct current stimulation, and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. These therapies modulate the activity of neural networks responsible for emotion regulation and traumatic memory processing.

Material and Methods:
A review of the peer-reviewed literature was conducted across three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar). Studies published from 2000 to 2025 involving adult participants and evaluating selected neuromodulation techniques were included.

Results:
Of the 212 articles analysed, seven systematic reviews were included in this study. The literature overview indicates that virtual reality, transcranial direct current stimulation, and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can effectively complement post-traumatic stress disorder psychotherapy, including exposure-based and trauma-focused therapies. These modalities significantly contribute to symptom reduction, particularly in terms of anxiety and emotional dysregulation, while enhancing patient engagement. However, substantial heterogeneity observed across studies highlights the need for further standardized clinical trials.

Conclusions:
The analysed neuromodulation techniques represent a promising complementary therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), contributing both to symptom relief and improved functional outcomes. Although the level of scientific evidence varies across these methods, an integrated approach appears to be the most effective. The implementation of these technologies in physical therapy and neuropsychology requires standardized protocols and increased technological accessibility.
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