Exploring moderate to vigorous physical activity for women with post-traumatic stress disorder: A scoping review

Abstract

The impact of physical activity on mental health outcomes is well-established. Researchers have suggested that engagement in physical activity may have benefits for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In particular, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is theorized to reduce PTSD symptomology and improve treatment outcomes. While there are evident sex and gender differences in the biology and etiology of PTSD, significant gaps remain in the analysis of sex- and gender-based factors in physical activity interventions. The purpose of this scoping review was to: (1) explore the study parameters (i.e. research design, intervention, measures, and sex and gender considerations), (2) present the types of outcomes found in studies investigating MVPA as an adjunctive strategy to support women with PTSD, and (3) assess researcher engagement with trauma-informed approaches. Guided by Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework, we systematically searched four databases, yielding 615 results that underwent through two levels of screening: title and abstract, and full text. Twelve papers met the specified criteria, which included a focus on, or inclusion and analysis, of female participant data in studies investigating the therapeutic potential of PA as an adjunctive strategy to address PTSD. Analysis of selected articles revealed commonly employed study characteristics and parameters; the diversity of PTSD and PA measures used for inclusion and outcome measurement, respectively; the biological and psychological outcomes and identified limitations; and, how and if the impacts of trauma on the accessibility of research participation were considered. Overall, we found that MVPA should be further investigated as a potential intervention for women with PTSD and careful consideration of the study measures employed is critical when designing population- and gender-tailored interventions. Based on the findings, we highlight the need for a trauma- and violence-informed approach to address the acceptability and feasibility of physical activity interventions.