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Denneman RPM, van Bezeij T, Kal EC, Marshall J, Pisters MF. Riding waves to improve functioning: a quantitative evaluation of a Surf Week in individuals with chronic phase brain injury with six months follow-up. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38419367 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2320265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Environmental enrichment seems to enable people in the chronic phase of acquired brain injury (ABI) to experience new functional abilities and motor/coping strategies and consequently to become more adaptable which might prevent/reverse functional decline. This study describes the influence of a five-days Surf Week program on participants on physical function, self-efficacy, functional balance performance and self-perceived recovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS A multiple-baseline single-case design was used. Adults participating in the Surf Week in chronic phase of ABI were eligible to participate. Participants completed a battery of tests monitoring physical function, self-efficacy, functional balance performance and self-perceived recovery. This battery was repeated 5 times over a 1-year period, two times pre-Surf Week, three times post-Surf Week. Visual data inspection with two non-overlap methods were used to determine if patients showed sustained improvement in outcomes post-intervention. RESULTS A moderate to strong indication for improvements on physical function, functional balance performance and self-perceived recovery exists till six months follow-up. No indication was observed on self-efficacy till six months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS A five-days Surf Week is a physically, cognitively and socially intensive stimulating activity that can positively challenge individuals after ABI and seems to improve physical functioning, functional balance performance and self-perceived recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalie P M Denneman
- Research Group Empowering Healthy Behaviour, Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Physical Therapy Research, Department of Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy Science and Sport, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tijs van Bezeij
- Foundation Surftherapie.nl, Petten, The Netherlands
- Current Address: Department Surfkliniek B.V, Surftherapiecentrum.nl, Petten, The Netherlands
| | - Elmar C Kal
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, London, UK
| | - Jamie Marshall
- School of Applied Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Martijn F Pisters
- Research Group Empowering Healthy Behaviour, Department of Health Innovation and Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Physical Therapy Research, Department of Rehabilitation, Physiotherapy Science and Sport, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Julius Health Care Centers, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Franceschi L, Small N, Goldsby T, Goldsby M, Padamada S, Ziegler MG, Mills PJ. The Groundswell Community Surf Therapy Intervention for At-Risk Women and Changes in Body Acceptance, Resilience, and Emotional Regulation. GLOBAL ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE AND HEALTH 2024; 13:27536130241278970. [PMID: 39219712 PMCID: PMC11365036 DOI: 10.1177/27536130241278970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Background Surf therapy combines physical activity with social support to provide a healing environment. Objective This exploratory pre-to post-intervention study examined the effects of a novel surf therapy program for women who experienced abuse, trauma, and/or mental illness on emotional regulation, resilience, body acceptance, and gratitude. Methods Twenty-seven women (ages 25 to 54; mean 36.32 + SD 7.79) participated in an 8-week Groundswell Surf Therapy Program held in four different coastal cities in California. Standardized self-report questionnaires were administered prior to and following the therapy program, including the Body Acceptance Scale, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the Affective Style Questionnaire, and the Gratitude Questionnaire-Six-Item Form (GQ-6) in a pre-post study design. Data were analyzed by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results Body acceptance [P < 0.001; partial Eta squared = 0.472] and resilience were increased [P = 0.005; partial Eta squared = 0.319] following the surf therapy intervention. Emotional regulation was examined according to three subscales, with the adjust [P < 0.001; partial Eta squared = 0.397] and tolerate [P < 0.001; partial Eta squared = 0.299] subscales increasing following the intervention, and the conceal subscale [P = 0.459; partial Eta squared = 0.031] remaining unchanged. Gratitude scores were unchanged [P = 0.425; partial Eta squared = 0.026]. Conclusion A surf therapy program rooted in somatic and trauma-informed models was associated with improved resilience, emotional regulation, and body acceptance in at-risk women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tamara Goldsby
- Center of Excellence for Research and Training in Integrative Health, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael Goldsby
- Center of Excellence for Research and Training in Integrative Health, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Michael G. Ziegler
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Paul J Mills
- Center of Excellence for Research and Training in Integrative Health, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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3
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Olive L, Dober M, Mazza C, Turner A, Mohebbi M, Berk M, Telford R. Surf therapy for improving child and adolescent mental health: A pilot randomised control trial. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2023; 65:102349. [PMID: 37665831 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this pilot randomised control trial (RCT) was to test, 1) feasibility and acceptability of a surf therapy program to improve symptoms of mental ill-health among children and adolescents, and 2) the design and procedures of an evaluative study. This pilot RCT compared a 6-week mentor-supported surf therapy program with a wait list control group, in Australian children and adolescents aged 8-18yrs (M age = 11.28, SD = 2.34; 15 females), who were help seeking for issues relating to their mental health. Exclusion criteria included if an individual was actively suicidal or experiencing a psychotic episode or being unavailable for program dates. The primary outcome was the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and study design assessed via 11 pre-defined criteria. A secondary outcome was to investigate the effectiveness signal of the intervention on child indicators of depression and anxiety, assessed via the Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale-Short Form and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Random allocation was computer generated and while it was not possible to blind participants, researchers collecting assessments were blinded to group allocation. Thirty-six youth were randomised (intervention = 18; wait list controls = 18), representing an 84% participation rate among eligible youth. Of the 11 a priori feasibility and acceptability criteria, 4 of 5 relating to the intervention, and 4 of 6 addressing the study design were fully met, with the unmet factors guiding program revision. At the completion of the intervention, children and adolescents receiving the intervention reported reductions in symptoms of depression (ES = 0.57), anxiety (ES = 0.43), emotional problems, (ES = 0.79), peer problems (ES = 0.56), hyperactivity/inattention (ES = 0.28), and overall difficulties (ES = 0.64). These reductions were not sustained 6-weeks after completion of the intervention. Surf therapy is an acceptable and feasible intervention for addressing symptoms of mental ill-health among children and adolescents. Preliminary evidence suggests that surf therapy improves symptoms of mental ill-health in the short-term but that these improvements were not sustained after the intervention is ceased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Olive
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia; IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia; Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Centre of Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Madeleine Dober
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia; IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Catherine Mazza
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia; IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Alyna Turner
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Mohammadreza Mohebbi
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia; Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael Berk
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia; Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Centre of Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Rohan Telford
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia; Research Institute of Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
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Gerami A, Foster C, Murphy J. "Virtual Surf Booth": Assessment of a Novel Tool and Data Collection Process to Measure the Impact of a 6-Week Surf Programme on Mental Wellbeing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16732. [PMID: 36554614 PMCID: PMC9779844 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Surf therapy is increasingly used as a health intervention, but evidence of its mental health benefits remains unclear. This longitudinal mixed-method study assessed the usability and acceptability of a novel online data collection tool and process to measure the impact of a surf programme on acute and chronic mental wellbeing. Fifteen women attending a 6-week surf programme in the UK were asked to complete a tool consisting of video recordings, word association and the Short Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being scale (SWEMWBS). Usability and acceptability were assessed through focus groups and quantitative data. The data generated in the focus groups, video recordings and word association were analysed via reflexive thematic analysis, and SWEMWBS presented descriptively. Participants perceived the tool as easy to use due to the completion time and its functionalities, and useful for self-reflection. Facilitating conditions such as timing and location, areas for improvement such as increased privacy, accessibility, incentivisation, and factors impacting data generated were further identified. Data collected covered both acute and chronic mental wellbeing and showed a positive relationship between surf and mental wellbeing. Further research is needed to confirm these findings in diverse populations, identify potential moderators, and confirm the validity of this tool and process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Gerami
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition & Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TZ, UK
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Burtscher M, Britton E. " There Was Some Kind of Energy Coming into My Heart": Creating Safe Spaces for Sri Lankan Women and Girls to Enjoy the Wellbeing Benefits of the Ocean. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:3342. [PMID: 35329026 PMCID: PMC8949143 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide, there is growing recognition of the wellbeing benefits of accessing and engaging with healthy blue spaces, especially seas, coasts, and beaches. However, vast gender inequalities persist that impact women's and girls' ability to safely access these spaces for recreational benefit. This is even more pronounced in the context of emerging surf cultures in regions such as Southeast Asia. Using a qualitative and reflective approach, this paper explored how safe spaces for female surfers are created, using case studies from two female-focused surfing programs in Sri Lanka. To facilitate a safe space, the multi-layered challenges that female surfers face were analysed. The common mediators that enable females to participate in surfing were then investigated and identified, including: seeing surfing as an option, supportive families and communities, the group factor, free lessons, an all-female environment, culturally appropriate surf apparel, and a safe and playful methodology. This study highlights pathways for how unsafe spaces of exclusion and fear may be transformed into safe spaces of inclusion, healing, and empowerment. These findings have implications for how safe spaces may be facilitated for other organisations, as well as the sustainability of female access to surfing, beyond the life of surfing programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Easkey Britton
- European Centre for Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Knowledge Spa, Truro TR1 SHD, UK;
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Podavkova T, Dolejs M. Surf Therapy-Qualitative Analysis: Organization and Structure of Surf Programs and Requirements, Demands and Expectations of Personal Staff. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:2299. [PMID: 35206478 PMCID: PMC8872285 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Surf therapy is an increasingly popular method of mental health intervention. Although previous research documents the benefits of surf therapy for mental health, it is unclear how to navigate the organization structure of said program. This research project is a case study, where the case is an organization of our choice, in which we selected several respondents for each position. The primary study objective was to identify the principles of the surf therapy structure and describe its personnel make-up. The aim was to identify the processes in the organization, to establish their interconnectedness and outline the positives and negatives of their functioning. The respondent sample (n = 11) was composed of participants of a surf therapy program held in Great Britain, including staff (coordinator, surf instructor), volunteers, and clients. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Four main thematic clusters were identified (organization of surf therapy, surf therapy staff, surf session, and situations that may arise in surf therapy), as well as several other categories based on participants' experiences. The information obtained provides a new, as yet unexplored view of surf therapy, and can be used particularly in the development of new surf therapy programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Podavkova
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Palacký Univerzity Olomouc, 77900 Olomouc, Czech Republic;
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McKenzie RJ, Chambers TP, Nicholson-Perry K, Pilgrim J, Ward PB. "Feels Good to Get Wet": The Unique Affordances of Surf Therapy Among Australian Youth. Front Psychol 2021; 12:721238. [PMID: 34721176 PMCID: PMC8552065 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.721238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing prevalence rates of mental health problems among adolescents is an issue of growing concern. Surf therapy is a novel intervention that may provide tangible benefits to address this problem. Congruent with the ecological dynamics perspective (EDP), the existing research postulates that surf therapy yields psychological benefits in part due to the unique affordances of immersion in a blue space such as the ocean. Evidence worldwide has validated the use of surfing as a therapeutic mediator to achieve positive change, however, no such research has been conducted on Australian adolescents. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of the Waves of Wellness (WOW) Foundation's 8 week surf therapy program on mental health outcomes in Australian at-risk youth. The study employed a mixed-methods design to examine the experiences of participants. Nine adolescents (Mage = 14.9; SD = 1.2; 8 female) participated in the quantitative stage, with four completing the qualitative interview. Results indicated positive changes in resilience, self-esteem, social connectedness, and depressive symptoms post-intervention, however, improvements were not maintained at follow-up. Participants unanimously agreed that the program normalised their experiences with mental health through the unique leaning environment and fostered personal growth through mastery experiences and the development of healthy relationships. The EDP provided the most compelling explanation of the results denoting that benefits arise from the reciprocal relationship between individual, task, and environment. Despite the small and heterogenous sample, the findings provided preliminary evidence of the efficacy of surf therapy among Australian youth and offer a potential starting point for further research utilising larger more diverse samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Jade McKenzie
- Discipline of Psychological Science, Australian College of Applied Psychology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Kathryn Nicholson-Perry
- Discipline of Psychological Science, Australian College of Applied Psychology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joel Pilgrim
- Waves of Wellness Foundation, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Philip B Ward
- Waves of Wellness Foundation, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,UNSW Sydney and Schizophrenia Research Unit, School of Psychiatry, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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A Mixed Methods Exploration of Surf Therapy Piloted for Youth Well-Being in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18126267. [PMID: 34200523 PMCID: PMC8296059 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Young people in post-conflict and post-epidemic contexts such as Sierra Leone face a range of mental health challenges as part of their daily life. An innovative approach to Sport for Development that could offer support to youth mental health is surf therapy. This research used an uncontrolled mixed methods approach to explore surf therapy pilots run by five youth-focused and community development organizations around Freetown. Four sites provided useable pre/post data using the Stirling Children’s Well-Being Scale (n = 58, average age = 12.9). Three sites were associated with significant (p < 0.017) large effects (r = 0.65–0.84) on participant well-being. One site was associated with a non-significant (p < 0.380) small negative effect (r = −0.22). A synthesis of qualitative data within the five evaluations triangulated with quantitative findings and provided important context in terms of challenges to service delivery. This included low attendance as a plausible mediator for why one site saw very different results than other sites. Combined, these processes highlight the need for future research exploring possible dose-response relationships in surf therapy. This study also provides a foundation for more rigorous research in the future. These promising findings support continued and optimized delivery of surf therapy in Sierra Leone to support youth mental health.
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Drake CJ, Keith M, Dober MR, Evans S, Olive LS. A qualitative investigation into the perceived therapeutic benefits and barriers of a surf therapy intervention for youth mental health. Complement Ther Med 2021; 59:102713. [PMID: 33757830 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate potential therapeutic pathways and barriers to participation in a surf therapy program for youth at risk of mental health problems from the perspective of participants, surf mentors and program coordinator. METHOD Nineteen individuals, consisting of youth (n = 9, 5 male, 4 female, M = 12.8, SD = 2.6), mentors (n = 9, male 5, female 4, M = 37.60, SD = 13.62) and the Ocean Mind program coordinator (n = 1, male, age 26 years), participated in semi-structured focus groups or follow-up interviews. This qualitative study analysed data using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Six themes were identified in total, with self-efficacy, interpersonal skills and forming a mentorship being potential therapeutic pathways of the surf therapy intervention. Surf instruction techniques and family engagement were both identified as potential barriers that negatively affect participant engagement. Additionally, the natural environment was identified as both a potential therapeutic pathway and a barrier. CONCLUSION Surf therapy interventions appears to hold a number of benefits for youth mental health via pathways relating to the promotion of mental health protective factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron J Drake
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, Victoria, 3220 Australia.
| | - Michael Keith
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, Victoria, 3220 Australia.
| | - Madeleine R Dober
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, Victoria, 3220 Australia.
| | - Subhadra Evans
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, Victoria, 3220 Australia; Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Lisa S Olive
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20001, Geelong, Victoria, 3220 Australia; Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; Elite Sport and Mental Health, Orygen, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Walter KH, Otis NP, Glassman LH, Ray TN, Michalewicz-Kragh B, Kobayashi Elliott KT, Thomsen CJ. Comparison of surf and hike therapy for active duty service members with major depressive disorder: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of novel interventions in a naturalistic setting. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2019; 16:100435. [PMID: 31485546 PMCID: PMC6717066 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2019.100435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Many active duty service members suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD). Although traditional treatments exist, alternative approaches may also be effective in treating depressive symptoms. Previous research has shown that physical activity has significant positive effects on depression symptoms in individuals with MDD, and that these benefits may be enhanced when physical activity occurs in a natural environment. Even though physical activity (i.e., hiking, walking) in natural environments has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms, water-based activity occurring in a natural environment (e.g., surfing) may produce even greater improvements in depressive symptoms. We detail an ongoing randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the efficacy of surf therapy and hike therapy with respect to immediate and longer-term psychological, physical, and functional outcomes in active duty service members with MDD. We describe the methodological development of this RCT evaluating novel treatment approaches and discuss considerations for evaluating physical activity interventions in a naturalistic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen H. Walter
- Leidos, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106-3521, United States
- Health and Behavioral Sciences Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106-3521, United States
| | - Nicholas P. Otis
- Leidos, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106-3521, United States
- Health and Behavioral Sciences Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106-3521, United States
| | - Lisa H. Glassman
- Leidos, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106-3521, United States
- Health and Behavioral Sciences Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106-3521, United States
| | - Travis N. Ray
- Leidos, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106-3521, United States
- Health and Behavioral Sciences Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106-3521, United States
| | | | | | - Cynthia J. Thomsen
- Health and Behavioral Sciences Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, 92106-3521, United States
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