Efficacy Of A Community-based Physical Activity Program To Reduce Symptom Severity Of Ptsd Among Military Veterans

Abstract

The benefits of physical activity have been shown to improve physiological and psychological well-being among individuals with mental health issues, including individuals with PTSD. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a community-based physical activity program with a health education component to reduce symptom severity of PTSD among military veterans. METHODS: Participants with self-reported symptoms of PTSD (n = 5) engaged in a community-based 4-week health education and physical activity program. The PCL-5 was used to assess symptom severity of PTSD. The dependent variables were PCL total score, PCL cluster B, PCL cluster C, PCL cluster D and PCL cluster E. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used to analyze differences in symptom severity of PTSD pre and post 4-week intervention. RESULTS: Out of the 5 participants, 4 self-reported a sedentary lifestyle and only 1 reported meeting the ACSM physical activity guidelines. There were statistically significant results at post-data collection for PCL total score (Z = -2.032, p = .042) and Cluster E (Z = -2.032, p = .042). Although significance was being approached, the following were not statistically significant, Cluster B (Z = -1.841, p = .066), Cluster C (Z = -1.857, p = .063), and Cluster D (Z = -1.826, p = .068). CONCLUSION: Researchers concluded that a community-based physical activity program with a health education component may be effective at reducing symptom severity of PTSD among military veterans. It should be noted that researchers conducted the intervention in a group and outdoor setting. There is literature to support that being outdoors and with similar others can influence outcomes. Those variables were not controlled for in the current research study, so it is recommended that future research take those variables into consideration. Researchers also recommend a follow-up study with a larger sample size and a true control group.