PTSD Improvement Associated with Social Connectedness in Gerofit Veterans Exercise Program

Wilkins, Stacy Schantz; Hall, Katherine S.; Blanchard, Erin; Castle, Steven; Kopp, Teresa; Katzel, Leslie I.; Holder, Alice; Alexander, Neil B.; McDonald, Michelle; Tayade, Arti; Forman, Daniel E.; Abbate, Lauren M.; Harris, Rebekah; Valencia, Willy Marcos; Morey, Miriam C.; Lee, Cathy C.

doi:10.1111/jgs.16973

Cited by 13 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…Further, they found that the changes in self-competence predicted the changes in mental health measures including self-worth and hope. Additionally, a 3-month Gerofit exercise program in older Veterans significantly improved posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and this improvement was significantly associated with the level of social connectedness [ 54 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Acutely enhancing affective state and social connection following an online dance intervention during the COVID-19 social isolation crisis

et al. 2023

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The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many throughout the world to isolate themselves from their respective communities to stop the spread of disease. Although this form of distancing can prevent the contraction of a virus, it results in social isolation and physical inactivity. Consequently, our communities have become heavily reliant on digital solutions to foster social connection and increase physical activity when forced to isolate. Dance is a multidimensional form of physical activity that includes sensory, motor, cognitive, rhythmic, creative, and social elements. Long-term, interventional studies in dance have shown positive effects on both mental and social health; however, little has been done to examine the acute effects and no studies to date have explored the relationship between the affective state and social outcomes of dance. We examined the hypothesis that online dance is associated with improvements in affective state and social connection during a time of social isolation, namely, the COVID-19 crisis. Healthy adults (age ≥ 18; n = 47) engaged in a single session of 60 min of self-selected online dance, completing a series of validated self-reported questionnaires before and after class. We found that online dance was associated with improvements in affective state as measured by increased positive affect and self-esteem and decreased negative affect and depressive symptoms. Additionally, online dance was associated with improvements in social and community connectedness. Further, we found that those who experienced the largest increases in self-esteem and decreases in negative affect demonstrated the largest gains in social connectivity. Although in-person dance classes may be optimal for formalized dance training, online dance instruction offers an accessible platform that can provide mental and social health benefits during the COVID-19 social isolation crisis. We conclude that through online dance, individuals can experience a connection between the body, mind, and community.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Acutely enhancing affective state and social connection following an online dance intervention during the COVID-19 social isolation crisis

et al. 2023

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“…The study also aimed to facilitate social support, which has been found among other populations including veterans to drive the relationship between increased exercise and improved mental health. 61 Further investigation into the role of social support including the dyad relationship (i.e. emergency service and support partner) in moderating health behaviours is warranted.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An online mental health informed physical activity intervention for emergency service workers and their families: A stepped-wedge trial

et al. 2023

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Objective Emergency service workers are at risk of experiencing poor mental health due to repeated exposure to potentially traumatic events. Promoting healthy lifestyle factors may help improve health outcomes and quality of life among this population. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a 10-week physical activity (PA) and diet programme delivered via Facebook for sedentary emergency service workers and their support partners on levels of psychological distress. Methods We delivered a 10-week intervention via a private Facebook group facilitated by exercise physiologists, a dietitian and peer-facilitators. Weekly education modules and telehealth calls were delivered, and participants were provided with a PA tracking device (Fitbit accelerometer). A stepped-wedge design was applied to compare levels of psychological distress (K6) during baseline, to intervention by comparing slopes of change. Secondary pre–post outcomes included mental health symptoms, PA, quality of life, social support to exercise, sleep quality and suicidal ideation. Results In total, N=90 participants ( n=47 emergency service workers and n=43 support partners) were recruited in 4 cohorts (aged 42.3±11.5 years, 51% male). Levels of psychological distress did not change significantly during the baseline (control) slope and reduced significantly during the first 6 weeks of intervention (intervention slope 1). The slopes were significantly different, b=−0.351, p = 0.003 (i.e. the trajectories of change) and improvements plateaued until follow up. Retention was high (92%) and improvements in mental health symptoms, minutes of PA, sedentary time and quality of life were significant. Conclusions Our intervention delivered via social media is feasible and associated with reduced levels of psychological distress among emergency service workers and support partners. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN): 12619000877189.

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“…The study also aimed to facilitate social support, which has been found among other populations including Veterans to drive the relationship between increased exercise and improved mental health (60). Investigation into the resource of social support including the dyad relationship (i.e., emergency service and support partner) in moderating health behaviours is warranted.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An online mental health informed physical activity intervention for emergency service workers and their families: A stepped-wedge trial

McKeon

Wells

Steel

et al. 2022

Preprint

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ObjectiveEmergency service workers are at risk of experiencing poor mental health due to repeated exposure to potentially traumatic events. Promoting physical activity and diet may help to mitigate some the consequences of emergency work and so this study aimed to evaluate the impact a lifestyle intervention on levels of psychological distress among emergency service workers and their support partners.MethodsWe delivered a 10-week physical activity intervention via a private Facebook group facilitated by exercise physiologists, a dietitian and peer-facilitators. Weekly education modules and telehealth calls were delivered, and participants were provided with a physical activity tracking device. A stepped-wedge design was applied to compare levels of psychological distress (Kessler-6) during baseline, to intervention by comparing slopes of change. Secondary pre-post outcomes included mental health symptoms, physical activity, quality of life, social support to exercise, sleep quality and suicidal ideation.ResultsN=90 participants (n=47 emergency service workers and n=43 support partners) were recruited in 4 separate cohorts (mean age 42.3(SD=11.5) years, 51% male). Levels of psychological distress did not change significantly during the baseline (control) slope and reduced significantly during the first 6 weeks of intervention (intervention slope 1). The interaction between slopes were significant, b=-0.351, p = 0.003, (i.e., the trajectories of change were significantly different) and improvements plateaued until the 4-week follow-up. Retention was high (92%) and improvements in mental health symptoms, minutes of physical activity, sedentary time and quality of life were observed.ConclusionsA physical activity intervention delivered via social media is effective in improving psychological distress among emergency service workers and support partners.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN): 12619000877189.

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PTSD Improvement Associated with Social Connectedness in Gerofit Veterans Exercise Program

Cited by 13 publications

References 19 publications

Acutely enhancing affective state and social connection following an online dance intervention during the COVID-19 social isolation crisis

Acutely enhancing affective state and social connection following an online dance intervention during the COVID-19 social isolation crisis

An online mental health informed physical activity intervention for emergency service workers and their families: A stepped-wedge trial

An online mental health informed physical activity intervention for emergency service workers and their families: A stepped-wedge trial

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