Yoga resilience training to prevent the development of posttraumatic stress disorder in active-duty first responders: A cluster randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

Evidence on effective prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is sparse, particularly among first responders. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Tactical Mind-Body Resilience Training program on PTSD symptoms in first responders. Active-duty first responders (n = 80; Mage = 41.8 years, 82.5% men) were randomized to the intervention group or the waitlist control condition. PTSD symptoms as measured by the PTSD-8 were the primary outcome assessed at postintervention and at 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were cognitive and emotional coping strategies, resilience, somatic symptoms, work performance, and sickness absence. At postintervention, the intervention group had significantly reduced PTSD symptoms compared to the control group (d = -0.26, difference = -2.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-4.93, -0.11], p = .040); however, this difference was attenuated at 3-month follow-up (d = -0.07, difference = -1.41, 95% CI [-3.83, 1.01], p = .248). The intervention group had significant improvements in cognitive reappraisal and resilience at postintervention compared to the control group, which were sustained at 3 months. The remaining secondary outcomes had statistically nonsignificant improvements. This workplace-delivered intervention shows potential in preventing the development of PTSD in first responders. Further research is needed on maintaining long-term benefits of this training. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).