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Scientific Research

While TRE emerged from clinical observation rather than laboratory research, a growing body of scientific studies is investigating its effects. This section provides an overview of the current research base.

Research Landscape​

TRE research is still in relatively early stages. Most studies are small-scale, and large randomized controlled trials are limited. However, preliminary findings are encouraging, and research interest is growing.

Key Studies and Findings​

PTSD and Trauma Symptoms​

Several studies have examined TRE's effects on post-traumatic stress:

Military veterans: Research with combat veterans has shown reductions in PTSD symptoms, improvements in sleep, and decreased anxiety following TRE practice. One study found significant improvements in PTSD symptoms after just 6 TRE sessions.

General trauma populations: Studies with various trauma-exposed groups have documented decreased trauma symptoms, reduced anxiety, and improved wellbeing following TRE interventions.

Anxiety and Stress​

Research consistently shows TRE's impact on stress and anxiety:

Healthcare workers: A study with nurses and healthcare professionals found significant reductions in anxiety and burnout after practicing TRE.

University students: Research with students showed decreased anxiety and improved stress management following TRE training.

General populations: Multiple studies document stress reduction and improved mood regulation with regular TRE practice.

Physical Symptoms​

Some research examines TRE's effects on physical health:

Chronic pain: Preliminary studies suggest reductions in chronic muscular pain and tension following TRE.

Sleep quality: Several studies report improved sleep as a benefit of regular practice.

Heart rate variability: Research has documented improvements in HRV (a marker of autonomic nervous system health) following TRE practice.

Mechanisms of Action​

Research is beginning to explore how TRE works:

Autonomic nervous system regulation: Studies suggest TRE helps shift the nervous system from sympathetic (fight/flight) to parasympathetic (rest/digest) dominance.

Muscle tension release: EMG studies have shown measurable reductions in chronic muscle tension following tremor activation.

Fascia and connective tissue: Emerging research on fascia suggests tremoring may release tension held in the connective tissue network.

Neurogenic tremors: Research distinguishes TRE's neurogenic tremors from other types of shaking, linking them specifically to nervous system regulation.

Research Limitations​

It's important to understand current research constraints:

Small sample sizes: Many studies involve relatively few participants, limiting generalizability.

Lack of placebo control: It's difficult to create a convincing placebo for a physical practice like TRE, making controlled studies challenging.

Self-selection bias: People who choose to participate in TRE studies may differ from the general population.

Variability in practice: Individual differences in how people practice TRE make standardization difficult.

Limited long-term follow-up: Most studies examine short-term effects; long-term impacts need more research.

Evidence Base vs Clinical Experience​

While the scientific research base is growing, it lags behind decades of clinical experience. Thousands of practitioners and hundreds of thousands of people have practiced TRE with reported benefits that outpace formal research.

This is common in somatic and body-based practices, which are harder to study than pharmaceutical interventions. Absence of extensive research does not mean absence of effectiveness: it often simply means research hasn't caught up to practice.

Ongoing Research​

Current research directions include:

  • Larger randomized controlled trials
  • Neuroimaging studies examining brain changes
  • Long-term follow-up studies
  • Mechanisms of action research
  • Comparative studies with other trauma interventions
  • Applications for specific populations (veterans, first responders, refugees)

Finding Research​

For those interested in the scientific literature:

PubMed - Search "TRE" or "tension and trauma releasing exercises" for peer-reviewed studies

TRE for All website - traumaprevention.com maintains a list of research publications

Google Scholar - Broader search including dissertations and conference presentations

Interpreting Research​

When reading TRE research, consider:

Study quality: Look for peer-reviewed publications, adequate sample sizes, and appropriate controls.

Effect sizes: Statistical significance matters less than meaningful clinical changes.

Applicability: Does the research population match your situation?

Funding and conflicts: Be aware of who funded the research.

A Balanced Perspective​

TRE sits at the intersection of ancient wisdom (the body's innate healing mechanisms) and modern science (understanding nervous system function). The research base is growing but not yet comprehensive.

For some people, scientific validation is essential before trying a practice. For others, personal experience and clinical observation carry more weight. Both perspectives are valid.

What we know: Preliminary research is promising, clinical experience is extensive, and the practice is generally safe when self-regulation principles are followed.

What we need: More large-scale studies, long-term follow-up, mechanism research, and comparative effectiveness trials.

In the meantime, TRE remains a self-help tool grounded in body wisdom, supported by growing scientific evidence, and validated by thousands of practitioners worldwide.

For Researchers​

If you're interested in conducting TRE research:

Contact TRE for All (traumaprevention.com) about research collaboration opportunities. The organization supports rigorous research and can connect you with the research community.

Consider publishing your findings in peer-reviewed journals to contribute to the growing evidence base.