학술논문
PTSD Improvement Associated with Social Connectedness in Gerofit Veterans Exercise Program
Document Type
article
Author
Wilkins, Stacy Schantz; Melrose, Rebecca J; Hall, Katherine S; Blanchard, Erin; Castle, Steven C; Kopp, Teresa; Katzel, Leslie I; Holder, Alice; Alexander, Neil; McDonald, Michelle KS; Tayade, Arti; Forman, Daniel E; Abbate, Lauren M; Harris, Rebekah; Valencia, Willy M; Morey, Miriam C; Lee, Cathy C
Source
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 69(4)
Subject
Language
Abstract
ObjectivePost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common in Veterans. Symptoms can perpetuate into late life, negatively impacting physical and mental health. Exercise and social support are beneficial in treating anxiety disorders such as PTSD in the general population, although less is known about the impact on Veterans who have lived with PTSD for decades. This study assessed associations between social connectedness, physical function and self-reported change in PTSD symptoms among older Veterans specifically participating in Gerofit.DesignProspective clinical intervention.SettingTwelve sites of Veterans Affairs (VA) Gerofit exercise program across the United States.ParticipantsThree hundred and twenty one older Veteran Gerofit participants (mean age = 74) completed physical assessments and questionnaires regarding physical and emotional symptoms and their experience.MeasurementsMeasures of physical function, including 30-second chair stands, 10-m and 6-min walk were assessed at baseline and 3 months; change in PTSD symptoms based on the Diagnostic Statistical Manual-5 (DSM-5) assessed by a self-report questionnaire; and social connection measured by the Relatedness Subscale of the Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise scale (PNSE) were evaluated after 3 months of participation in Gerofit.ResultsNinety five (29.6%) Veterans reported PTSD. Significant improvement was noted in self-rated PTSD symptoms at 3 months (P