Accession Number:

ADA561595

Title:

Prospectively Assessed Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Associated Physical Activity

Descriptive Note:

Journal article

Corporate Author:

NAVAL HEALTH RESEARCH CENTER SAN DIEGO CA

Personal Author(s):

• LeardMann, Cynthia A.
• Kelton, Molly L.
• Smith, Besa
• Littman, Alyson J.
• Boyko, Edward J.
• Wells, Timothy S.
• Smith, Tyler C.

Report Date:

2011-05-01

Pagination or Media Count:

15.0

Abstract:

Objective. This studys objective was to examine the association of physical activity with prospectively assessed posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD symptoms in a large military cohort. Methods. This study used baseline and follow-up questionnaire data from a large, prospective study of US military service members. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the adjusted odds of new-onset and persistent PTSD symptoms associated with lightmoderate physical activity, vigorous physical activity, and strength training at followup. Results. Of the 38,883 participants, 89.4 reported engaging in at least 30 minutes per week of any type of physical activity. At follow-up, those with PTSD symptoms reported proportionately less physical activity than those with no symptoms. Vigorous physical activity was most consistently associated with PTSD symptoms those who reported at least 20 minutes of vigorous physical activity twice per week had significantly decreased odds for new-onset and persistent PTSD symptoms. Conclusions. Engagement in physical activity, especially vigorous activity, is significantly associated with decreased odds of PTSD symptoms among US service members. While further longitudinal research is necessary, a physical activity component may be valuable to PTSD treatment and prevention programs.

Descriptors:

• *MILITARY FORCES(UNITED STATES)
• *MILITARY PERSONNEL
• *PHYSICAL FITNESS
• *POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
• CHILDREN
• DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
• MENTAL DISORDERS
• MENTAL HEALTH
• MILITARY MEDICINE
• REGRESSION ANALYSIS
• REPRINTS
• SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
• STRENGTH(GENERAL)
• STRESS(PSYCHOLOGY)
• TRAINING

Subject Categories:

• Psychology
• Military Forces and Organizations

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE