Does an Occupational Therapy Program Enhance Mental Health Outcomes for Veterans Who Scuba Dive

Loma Linda University (LLU)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; Depression; Anxiety; Stress, Psychological

Treatments: Behavioral: Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) without OT; Behavioral: SCUBA with Occupational Therapy (OT)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03928392

5180305

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of the study is to investigate whether an occupational therapy program could enhance mental health outcomes for veterans who SCUBA dive. SCUBA diving requires modified breathing techniques and has been found to provide calming effects to individuals who engage in this activity. Occupational therapy interventions such as mindfulness, journaling, and deep breathing techniques can also provide similar calming effects. Therefore, this study will explore whether occupational therapy can provide additional benefits to overall mental health of veterans who SCUBA dive.

Enrollment: 15 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 95 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• 18 to 95 years of age
• Participation in WAVES Project for at least 3 months
• Completion of 3 open water dives
• Proficient in written and verbal English

Exclusion criteria

• Younger than 18 years of age or older than 95 years of age
• Not a member of WAVES Project within 3 months of study recruitment
• Has not completed 3 open water dives
• Not proficient in written and verbal English

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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15 participants in 2 patient groups

SCUBA Dive with OT

Experimental group

Description:

Two SCUBA dives in conjunction with occupational therapy intervention. The occupational therapy intervention will take place on the beach or on the boat before/after the SCUBA dive. The intervention will consist of learning 3 different breathing techniques. Participants will also be educated about mindfulness principals. Additionally, participants will complete journaling activities between dives.

Treatment:

Behavioral: SCUBA with Occupational Therapy (OT)

SCUBA Dive without OT

Active Comparator group

Description:

The group will engage in two SCUBA dives.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) without OT