This chapter examines the contribution of structured physical exercise to the management of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among military veterans and compares perceived effects with conventional treatments. Building on prior qualitative and autoethnographic work in this monograph, we deploy a cross-sectional survey of 19 UK veterans (mean age ≈ 54 years; mean service length ≈ 24 years) to characterise exercise habits, barriers, and symptom change across PTSD-relevant domains (overall symptoms, sleep, anxiety, depression). Participants reported wide engagement across aerobic, anaerobic, flexibility, and functional modalities. Descriptively, most respondents rejected the notion that exercise worsens PTSD and the majority endorsed exercise as helpful, particularly for anxiety and mood. Conceptual analyses of open responses yielded themes of empowerment and revitalisation and calming effects, alongside mixed-experience accounts in which noise or intensity occasionally heightened symptoms, underscoring the need for personalisation and trauma-informed delivery. Although over two thirds believed a tailored programme would benefit veterans with PTSD, awareness of existing exercise-integrated services was low, and many had not sought professional guidance. The chapter situates these findings within contemporary evidence that physical activity can complement psychological and pharmacological care, while also acknowledging heterogeneity, access barriers (including disability), and the potential for symptom triggering under certain conditions. We conclude that structured, preference-sensitive exercise programmes, delivered with attention to arousal regulation, environmental triggers, and gradated progression, offer a credible adjunct to standard care for veterans with PTSD. Implications include clearer signposting, collaboration between clinicians and coaches, and the development of needs-supportive (autonomy, competence, relatedness) interventions that can be individualised to veterans’ histories, contexts, and goals.

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Examining PTSD and Exercise in Military Veterans

  • James Alder

摘要

This chapter examines the contribution of structured physical exercise to the management of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among military veterans and compares perceived effects with conventional treatments. Building on prior qualitative and autoethnographic work in this monograph, we deploy a cross-sectional survey of 19 UK veterans (mean age ≈ 54 years; mean service length ≈ 24 years) to characterise exercise habits, barriers, and symptom change across PTSD-relevant domains (overall symptoms, sleep, anxiety, depression). Participants reported wide engagement across aerobic, anaerobic, flexibility, and functional modalities. Descriptively, most respondents rejected the notion that exercise worsens PTSD and the majority endorsed exercise as helpful, particularly for anxiety and mood. Conceptual analyses of open responses yielded themes of empowerment and revitalisation and calming effects, alongside mixed-experience accounts in which noise or intensity occasionally heightened symptoms, underscoring the need for personalisation and trauma-informed delivery. Although over two thirds believed a tailored programme would benefit veterans with PTSD, awareness of existing exercise-integrated services was low, and many had not sought professional guidance. The chapter situates these findings within contemporary evidence that physical activity can complement psychological and pharmacological care, while also acknowledging heterogeneity, access barriers (including disability), and the potential for symptom triggering under certain conditions. We conclude that structured, preference-sensitive exercise programmes, delivered with attention to arousal regulation, environmental triggers, and gradated progression, offer a credible adjunct to standard care for veterans with PTSD. Implications include clearer signposting, collaboration between clinicians and coaches, and the development of needs-supportive (autonomy, competence, relatedness) interventions that can be individualised to veterans’ histories, contexts, and goals.