A 12‐week integrative exercise program improves self‐reported mindfulness and interoceptive awareness in war veterans with posttraumatic stress symptoms
Wolf Mehling, Margaret A Chesney, Thomas J. Metzler, Lizabeth A. Goldstein, Shira Maguen, Chris Geronimo, Gary Agcaoili, Deborah E. Barnes, Jennifer A. Hlavin, Thomas C. Neylan
Journal of Clinical Psychology October 27, 2017 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22549 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 47 |
| Population | War veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) |
| Duration | 12-week intervention |
| Measures | Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (Non-Reactivity), Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (Body Listening, Self-Regulation) |
| Topics | Meditation PTSD |
| Citations | 130 |
| Key findings | In war veterans with PTSD, a 12-week integrative exercise program combining aerobic and resistance exercise with mindfulness-based principles and yoga produced large improvements in mindfulness non-reactivity (d = .85) and interoceptive body listening (d = .80) and self-regulation (d = 1.05) compared with a waitlist. |
Abstract
Objective: Innovative approaches to the treatment of war-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are needed. We report on secondary psychological outcomes of a randomized controlled trial of integrative exercise (IE) using aerobic and resistance exercise with mindfulness-based principles and yoga. We expected-in parallel to observed improvements in PTSD intensity and quality of life-improvements in mindfulness, interoceptive bodily awareness, and positive states of mind.
Method: A total of 47 war veterans with PTSD were randomized to 12-week IE versus waitlist. Changes in mindfulness, interoceptive awareness, and states of mind were assessed by self-report standard measures.
Results: Large effect sizes for the intervention were observed on Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire Non-Reactivity (d = .85), Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness Body Listening (d = .80), and Self-Regulation (d = 1.05).
Conclusion: In a randomized controlled trial of a 12-week IE program for war veterans with PTSD, we saw significant improvements in mindfulness, interoceptive bodily awareness, and positive states of mind compared to a waitlist.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on PTSD, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 12
- Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and reduce physiological arousal Cell Reports Medicine 2023
- Interoceptive Ability and Emotion Regulation in Mind-Body Interventions: An Integrative Review. Behavioral Sciences November 18, 2024
- If It All Comes Down to Bodily Awareness, How Do We Know? Assessing Bodily Awareness Kinesiology Review August 1, 2020
- Interoception and body image in breast cancer patients: a mindfulness-based stress reduction protocol. Frontiers in Psychology 2024
- Cognitive, psychological, and physiological effects of a web-based mindfulness intervention in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: an open study. BMC Geriatrics February 14, 2024
and 7 more in the library
Cites 12
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- How Does Mindfulness Meditation Work? Proposing Mechanisms of Action From a Conceptual and Neural Perspective Perspectives on Psychological Science October 14, 2011
- Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Assessment February 29, 2008
- Interoception, contemplative practice, and health Frontiers in Psychology June 9, 2015
- Body Awareness: a phenomenological inquiry into the common ground of mind-body therapies Philosophy, Ethics, and Humanities in Medicine 2011
and 7 more in the library