High-Intensity Sports for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression

Feasibility Study of Ocean Therapy With Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom

by Carly M. Rogers, Trudy Mallinson, Dominique Peppers

In this study, we conducted a pretest–posttest investigation of a sports-oriented occupational therapy in- tervention using surfing in an experiential, skills-based program to support veterans with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in their transition to civilian life. The purpose of this feasibility study was to evaluate the intervention for attendance rates and retention in the program provided in 5 sessions over 5 wk. Fourteen veterans from a specialty postdeployment clinic at a Veterans Affairs hospital were enrolled; 11 completed the study, and 10 attended 33 sessions. Participants reported clinically meaningful improve- ment in PTSD symptom severity (PTSD Checklist—Military Version, Wilcoxon signed rank Z 5 2.5, p 5 .01) and in depressive symptoms (Major Depression Inventory, Wilcoxon signed rank Z 5 2.05, p 5 .04). The results of this small, uncontrolled study suggest that a sports-oriented occupational therapy intervention has potential as a feasible adjunct intervention for veterans seeking mental health treatment for symptoms of PTSD.

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High Intensity Sports for PTSD

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THE JIMMY SURF FIESTA – Recap

Thank you to everyone who played a part in making the 2024 Jimmy Surf Fiesta such an amazing day. From our presenting sponsors – MB Rotary Club and Fresh Brothers

Group of onlookers watching the surf action in Manhattan Beach during the annual Jimmy Miller Foundation's Surf Fiesta
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Friends surf for fun, funds at Jimmy Miller Surf Fiesta

by Kevin Cody

photos by Steve Gaffney @stevegaffney

Local surfers formed five-member teams to compete for bragging rights, and to raise funds for the Jimmy Miller Foundation last Saturday, in El Porto. Many of the participants were friends of Jimmy Miller, the foundation’s namesake, who succumbed to mental illness 20 years ago.

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