A 12‐week integrative exercise program improves self‐reported mindfulness and interoceptive awareness in war veterans with posttraumatic stress symptoms

Objective Innovative approaches to the treatment of war‐related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are needed. We report on secondary psychological outcomes of a randomized controlled trial of integrative exercise (IE) using aerobic and resistance exercise with mindfulness‐based principles and yog...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of clinical psychology 2018-04, Vol.74 (4), p.554-565
Main Authors: Mehling, Wolf E., Chesney, Margaret A., Metzler, Thomas J., Goldstein, Lizabeth A., Maguen, Shira, Geronimo, Chris, Agcaoili, Gary, Barnes, Deborah E., Hlavin, Jennifer A., Neylan, Thomas C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Clinical trials
Exercise
interoception
Mindfulness
PTSD
Self awareness
veterans
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Summary:Objective Innovative approaches to the treatment of war‐related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are needed. We report on secondary psychological outcomes of a randomized controlled trial of integrative exercise (IE) using aerobic and resistance exercise with mindfulness‐based principles and yoga. We expected—in parallel to observed improvements in PTSD intensity and quality of life—improvements in mindfulness, interoceptive bodily awareness, and positive states of mind. Method A total of 47 war veterans with PTSD were randomized to 12‐week IE versus waitlist. Changes in mindfulness, interoceptive awareness, and states of mind were assessed by self‐report standard measures. Results Large effect sizes for the intervention were observed on Five‐Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire Non‐Reactivity (d = .85), Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness Body Listening (d = .80), and Self‐Regulation (d = 1.05). Conclusion In a randomized controlled trial of a 12‐week IE program for war veterans with PTSD, we saw significant improvements in mindfulness, interoceptive bodily awareness, and positive states of mind compared to a waitlist.
ISSN:0021-9762
1097-4679
DOI:10.1002/jclp.22549