Publication year
2015
Citation Title
The interactive role of exercise and sleep on veteran recovery from symptoms of PTSD.
Journal Name
Mental Health and Physical Activity
Journal Volume
8
Page Numbers
15-20
DOI
10.1016/j.mhpa.2014.12.002
Summary
Veterans in a residential posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment program were evaluated to examine the relationship between physical activity and PTSD symptoms. Among Veterans with poor sleep at the beginning of the program, higher levels of exercise were related to lower hyper-arousal symptoms at program discharge.
Key Findings
Veterans who participated in a cycling program reported lower depression at both intake and discharge than nonparticipants.
Levels of physical exercise were significantly related to lower levels of hyper-arousal (e.g., anxiety, increased startle response) at discharge among Veterans.
The relationship between exercise and lower hyper-arousal was strongest for Veterans who cycled a moderate amount.
Implications for Program Leaders
Partner with therapeutic recreation services to support wellness, including cycling and other physical exercise options for Service members
Encourage Service members to do wellness assessments, urging consideration of the links between physical and mental wellbeing
Provide classes on sleep hygiene, relaxation, and physical activity for Service members and their families
Implications for Policy Makers
Recommend partnerships among military-based and community-based programs to help military families feel more comfortable participating in leisure activities that are not on installations
Encourage the implementation of routine mental health assessments that specifically address levels of physical activity and kinds of exercise activities
Recommend integrating physical health education into existing service delivery systems for military families
Methods
Veterans completed self-report measures of depression, PTSD, and sleep quality.
Veterans were issued a bicycle, and mileage was measured via cyclometer.
Statistical analyses measured differences between participants and nonparticipants both at program intake and discharge.
Participants
Two hundred seventeen Veterans in a 60-90 day VA residential program for PTSD participated in the study.
All participants were men and 61% were White, 18% were Black, and 11% were Latino/Latina..
Cyclists were categorized in three groups based on mileage completed, including 176 non-cyclists, 20 moderate mileage (1-60 total miles cycled), and 21 high mileage (60 miles or more).
Limitations
The number of Veterans in the moderate and high mileage groups was small.
Veterans were not randomly assigned to condition; reported benefits of exercise may be attributable to group selection effects.
Cycling was done in groups, so the reported benefits of exercise may be partly attributable to social support.
Avenues for Future Research
Replicate the study with larger groups and include other types of exercise
Collect additional data from participants who are randomly assigned to instructor-led mild, moderate, and high intensity exercise groups
Assess exercise frequency and intensity to determine the impact of intermittent vs. regular physical exercise among Service members
Focus
Multiple Branches
Target Population
Population Focus
Military Branch
Military Component
Abstract
Introduction: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is prevalent among military veterans and is associated with a number of negative outcomes. Despite available treatments, rates of recovery are poor and many symptoms persist post-treatment. Previous research suggests that exercise functions to reduce symptoms of anxiety and improve sleep quality, though its effects are understudied among those with PTSD. Method: We sought to assess the extent to which exercise and sleep interactively impact changes in PTSD severity. Participants were 217 veterans in residential PTSD treatment who were offered the opportunity to participate in a bike-exercise program. Data were collected at treatment intake and discharge. Results: Exercise (defined as total volume of cycling completed over the course of treatment) was associated with greater reductions in PTSD hyperarousal symptoms at discharge only among veterans with poor intake sleep quality. Conclusions: Overall, exercise may be a beneficial adjunctive treatment for reducing hyperarousal symptoms among individuals with PTSD and poor sleep.
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