Depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Conditions
Keywords
depression, PTSD, anxiety, surf therapy
Brief summary
The current study evaluates psychological and physical health outcomes for active-duty service members following participation in an established surf therapy program. Participants complete assessments before and after the surf therapy program, as well as brief assessments before and after each surf therapy session.
Detailed description
The proposed study would evaluate whether an existing surf therapy program that is part of the Wounded, Ill, and Injured (WII) Wellness Program at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), significantly reduces both psychological symptoms (e.g., PTSD, depression, anxiety, negative affect, lack of positive affect) and physical symptoms (e.g., pain, sleep) among active-duty service members. Psychological and physical symptoms will be assessed before beginning the surf program and at program completion. In addition, brief assessments of mood and symptoms will be completed before and after each individual surf therapy session.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALSurf therapy
The NMCSD surf therapy program is approximately 6 weeks in duration. Each surf therapy session lasts 2-3 hours and occurs in a group setting that can accommodate up to 20 service members per session. Each service member is paired with a surf instructor who works with him or her each week for the 6-week session. Goals are individually-tailored to the service member (based on participant's level of comfort in the water, experience with surfing, etc.) and can incorporate both physical and psychological objectives.
Sponsors
Naval Health Research Center
United States Naval Medical Center, San Diego
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Active-duty military service members seeking surf therapy at NMCSD and have been medically cleared to participate * Diagnosis of either a psychological (e.g., PTSD, depression) or physical (e.g., amputated limb; traumatic brain injury) condition that served as a reason for referral
Exclusion criteria
* Service members who cannot receive medical clearance to participate in the NMCSD surf therapy program * Service members who have previously participated in the NMCSD surf therapy program
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) | From pre- to post-program (e.g., approximately 6-8 weeks) | Self-reported depression symptoms |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) | From pre- to post-program (e.g., approximately 6-8 weeks) | Report of satisfaction with the surf therapy program |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed