None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The primary aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6month programme of trauma-sensitive yoga (TSY), with mindfulness elements in a sample of ex-serving Defence members with a clinical diagnosis of combat-related PTSD. A secondary aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention for partners of participating ex-serving members. The study will be conducted at the Jamie Larcombe Centre by clinical staff trained in TSY. A sample of no less than 34 ex-serving Defence members will be recruited and provided with a 90minute session of TSY each week for 6 months. Data will be collected before the intervention and repeated at one, three and six months and after an additional three month follow-up. Analysis will determine change in PTSD and associated mental health symptoms in veterans. Outcomes will contribute to the emerging evidence base for yoga as an adjuvant treatment for PTSD. A convenience sample of partners will be recruited with qualitative analysis undertaken to understand their views on the effects of the programme on themselves, their partners and their relationships. The term 'partner' refers to the domestic/domiciliary partners of ex-serving Defence members. They have been included on the basis that they are in a position to offer support to the ex-serving Defence members that are the primary subjects of the study, and may also stand to benefit from participation.
Interventions
The intervention is a 6-month programme of trauma-sensitive yoga (TSY), with mindfulness elements. Each session is 90 minutes and will be delivered face to face each week by clinical staff ( senior psychiatrists and nurses) who have been trained in this form of yoga therapy. It will be delivered in the Jamie Larcombe Centre, a clinical facility for veteran mental health. In TSY, Mindfulness is an integral part of the yoga practise. Awareness and focus being the main elements of sensing the bre
The intervention is a 6-month programme of trauma-sensitive yoga (TSY), with mindfulness elements. Each session is 90 minutes and will be delivered face to face each week by clinical staff ( senior psychiatrists and nurses) who have been trained in this form of yoga therapy. It will be delivered in the Jamie Larcombe Centre, a clinical facility for veteran mental health. In TSY, Mindfulness is an integral part of the yoga practise. Awareness and focus being the main elements of sensing the breath, body shape and movement . The key elements of TSY are: *Interoception – Sensing the body *Bringing choice into the movement *Taking effective action, awareness of the shapes and movements chosen *Being present in the moment *Sensing muscle dynamics *Creating rhythms in flowing movements and sequences. Examples of exercises include: *Standing or sitting ‘Mountain’ at the start of the class is an example of arriving and settling by bringing awareness to the still body and noticing how the body feels at that moment. *‘Sunbreaths’, where arm movements are coordinated with the breath in a rhythm, *Shoulder rolls, ankle and wrist rotations are examples noticing the movements and their range in the joints. Noticing discomfort or tension and learning to release and ‘let go ‘as a deliberate choice. Each session will start with 15 minutes of 'settling'. This can involve being still or moving with an emphasis on noticing how the body and mind are feeling and orienting the self to being at the session. This will be followed by 60 minutes of yoga practices, postures and movements within the range comfortable for the individual participant. The final 15 minutes will be spent wrapping up. This involves meditation and a focus on the body and breath awareness. Each session will be jointly delivered by a psychiatrist and a nurse with each taking the lead at different times. The intervention will be delivered in group format with 7-14 participants in each group. An attendance check list will be used to monitor attendance.
Sponsors
Dr Linda McCarthy
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Single group
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Potential participants must be ex-Defence members with PTSD directly related to their military service. Initial screening would be undertaken using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) to confirm a PTSD diagnosis. Participants must be cognitively able to give informed consent. Partners of veteran participants must be cognitively able to give informed consent and aged over 18 years.
Exclusion criteria
Potential participants will be excluded if there is evidence of a psychotic disorder or significant cognitive impairment at initial screening. Participants will be withdrawn from the study after commencement if they sustain any cognitive impairment (psychosis, substance abuse) that impacts on their ability to participate. Partners of veteran participants would be excluded on evidence of any cognitive impairment that impacts on their ability to participate.
Outcome results
None listed