Skip to content

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.

PLEASE CLICK THE FOLLOWING LINK TO READ THE STUDY

High Intensity Sports for PTSD

Share This Post

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get updates on JMMF events and more.

More To Explore

Articles and Press

A Tribute to Greg Browning

With heavy hearts, the Jimmy Miller Foundation announces the passing of our dear friend and esteemed member, Greg Browning. Greg was a beacon of light

Articles and Press

April Updates

APRIL IS STRESS AWARENESS MONTH! Brianna’s dropping some major wisdom on stress relief this week, check it out below! https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6C6O6s-wVs4 STAY CALM ALL MONTH LONG