Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Versus Cognitive Processing Therapy for Women Veterans With PTSD Who Experienced Military Sexual Trauma: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common sequela to military sexual trauma (MST) among women veterans. Yoga has shown promise in research examining its benefit for symptoms and sequela of PTSD. Aims: The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) for women veterans with PTSD related to MST. Method: In this feasibility study, the final sample included women veterans ( n = 41) with PTSD related to MST accessing health care in a Veterans Affairs Health Care System in the southeast United States; the majority were African American ( n = 33; 80.5%). Interventions used established protocols of 10 weekly sessions of group TCTSY versus 12 weekly sessions of group Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). PTSD was assessed via clinical interview and participant report. Additional data collection included multiple participant-reported outcomes commonly associated with PTSD and psychophysiological measures. We also collected data regarding participant satisfaction and feasibility-related feedback from participants and providers. Results: Feasibility and acceptability were evaluated via demand, practicality, fidelity, and acceptability. This was measured by expressed interest, attendance, program completion, barriers to care and satisfaction with treatment, and satisfaction with interventions and data collection. Conclusions: Results indicate the RCT design and TCTSY implementation were feasible; a full-scale RCT was subsequently conducted to determine efficacy of the experimental intervention. Recommendations for successful research strategies are provided.

Findings from a pilot study of Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga versus cognitive processing therapy for PTSD related to military sexual trauma among women Veterans

“…The results presented here are an analysis of PTSD symptom severity and PTSD diagnosis outcomes obtained in a feasibility study of TCTSY compared to CPT for PTSD in women Veterans who experienced MST. 35 The study was conducted in 2013–2015 and was approved by the Emory University Institutional Review Board and relevant VA research oversight committees. After providing informed consent, participants were assessed for demographics, lifetime trauma history, and co-occurring mental health disorders.…”

“…Detailed protocol descriptions, details on facilitation, and efforts for maintaining fidelity for both the experimental and control interventions are described elsewhere. 35 …”

“…Our feasibility manuscript includes details on the structure and format of the experimental and control conditions as well as fidelity outcomes. 35 In short, feasibility was demonstrated relative to study recruitment, delivery of both interventions with fidelity, and data collection.…”

“…The feasibility findings are presented elsewhere. 35 Specific procedural changes from the pilot study to the full RCT were baseline data collection prior to randomization (correction of a procedural error) and inclusion of an intervention cross-over option following completion of the intervention to which participants were randomized. The cross-over option was intended to increase enrollment and retention for those not randomized to their preferred treatment condition.…”

Mindful self-compassion for veteran women with a history of military sexual trauma: feasibility, acceptability, potential benefits, and considerations

“…Trauma-informed yoga (TIY) synergizes the benefits of relaxation, physical activity, and mindfulness training with trauma-relevant components (Cook-Cottone et al, 2017 ; Emerson et al, 2009 ). Among women veterans with a history of MST, TIY has been observed feasible, acceptable, and associated with reduced distress, including acute negative affect (Braun et al, 2021 ; Kelly et al, 2021 ; Zaccari et al, 2022 ). As such, TIY may help ameliorate backdraft among MST survivors during MSC.…”