The Influence Of Posttraumatic Stress On Veterans: Assessing Exercise Adherence Post Clinical Intervention

PTSD hinders an individual’s cognitive function and can limit an individual’s follow through on commitments. Because of this, individuals with more severe PTSD symptoms have higher rates of attrition to clinical intervention, however, studies have shown that exercise can reduce symptoms of PTSD and other anxiety disorders. The Warrior Wellness study evaluates PTSD severity pre, post, and 3 months following a 6 month exercise intervention, as well as exercise adherence post-clinical intervention. PURPOSE: To determine whether PTSD severity can be an accurate indicator of continuation of exercise post exercise intervention, and whether an exercise intervention program encourages individuals with PTSD to continue exercise without the structure of clinical intervention. METHODS: Veterans ages 65+ are evaluated on PTSD severity (PCL-5 and CAPS-5) and their daily levels of exercise (ACLS). Participants were randomly assigned to the Exercise Intervention Group (EIG), or the Healthy Aging Group (HAG). The EIG meets 3 times a week for 45 minutes. The HAG participates in information sessions about healthy aging and habits twice a month. Intervention lasts 6 months, and individuals were assessed before, after, and 3 months post intervention. There is no CAPS-5 for 3 month post intervention. RESULTS: From 80 measures of PCL-5 severity scores (range of 10-65 of 80) there is a -0.372 graphical correlation (R2=0.0215) with increased weekly exercise recorded from the ACLS (range of 0-23hrs). Using the CAPS-5 from the baseline and the after intervention records, there is a -0.552 graphical correlation (R2=0.0925) with ACLS. CONCLUSION: As weekly exercise levels increase, PTSD severity levels decrease. Using these data points, patients can be assessed on an individual level in regards to PTSD severity and exercise adherence trends. Additionally, this data can be used to improve exercise intervention and inform clinicians on how to create lifelong habits in their participants. RX003120; K. Hall, PI