This chapter examines how masculinities intersect with physical exercise as complementary care for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in military men. It outlines aerobic, anaerobic, flexibility, and functional training modalities, and summarises proposed neurobiological and psychophysiological mechanisms, including HPA-axis modulation, endorphin release, neuroplasticity, and autonomic regulation. It also reviews evidence on symptom reduction across anxiety, low mood, hyperarousal, sleep disturbance, and irritability. Attention is given to activity-specific affordances and risks, for example the calming, low-impact qualities of swimming compared with possible trigger exposure during hiking, alongside adherence challenges, injuries, comorbidities, and accessibility constraints. The chapter integrates body-based trauma frameworks, including the work of Van der Kolk and Levine, and considers how hegemonic masculine norms of stoicism and self-reliance shape engagement, preferences, and outcomes. While emerging findings support exercise as an adjunct to care, mixed methodologies, small samples, and limited long-term follow-up temper conclusions. The chapter recommends gender-sensitive, trauma-informed programming that balances safety, individual tailoring, and community support to optimise feasibility and therapeutic impact for veterans with PTSD.

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Masculinities, Physical Exercise, and PTSD

  • James Alder

摘要

This chapter examines how masculinities intersect with physical exercise as complementary care for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in military men. It outlines aerobic, anaerobic, flexibility, and functional training modalities, and summarises proposed neurobiological and psychophysiological mechanisms, including HPA-axis modulation, endorphin release, neuroplasticity, and autonomic regulation. It also reviews evidence on symptom reduction across anxiety, low mood, hyperarousal, sleep disturbance, and irritability. Attention is given to activity-specific affordances and risks, for example the calming, low-impact qualities of swimming compared with possible trigger exposure during hiking, alongside adherence challenges, injuries, comorbidities, and accessibility constraints. The chapter integrates body-based trauma frameworks, including the work of Van der Kolk and Levine, and considers how hegemonic masculine norms of stoicism and self-reliance shape engagement, preferences, and outcomes. While emerging findings support exercise as an adjunct to care, mixed methodologies, small samples, and limited long-term follow-up temper conclusions. The chapter recommends gender-sensitive, trauma-informed programming that balances safety, individual tailoring, and community support to optimise feasibility and therapeutic impact for veterans with PTSD.