Evaluation of Outcomes Following Surf Therapy

Naval Medical Center

Status: Completed

Conditions: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; Depression

Treatments: Behavioral: Surf therapy

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other U.S. Federal agency

Identifiers

NCT02857751

NMCSD.2016.0032

Details and patient eligibility

About

The current study evaluates psychological and physical health outcomes for active-duty service members following participation in an established surf therapy program. Participants complete assessments before and after the surf therapy program, as well as brief assessments before and after each surf therapy session.

Full description

The proposed study would evaluate whether an existing surf therapy program that is part of the Wounded, Ill, and Injured (WII) Wellness Program at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), significantly reduces both psychological symptoms (e.g., PTSD, depression, anxiety, negative affect, lack of positive affect) and physical symptoms (e.g., pain, sleep) among active-duty service members. Psychological and physical symptoms will be assessed before beginning the surf program and at program completion. In addition, brief assessments of mood and symptoms will be completed before and after each individual surf therapy session.

Enrollment: 75 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Active-duty military service members seeking surf therapy at NMCSD and have been medically cleared to participate
• Diagnosis of either a psychological (e.g., PTSD, depression) or physical (e.g., amputated limb; traumatic brain injury) condition that served as a reason for referral

Exclusion criteria

• Service members who cannot receive medical clearance to participate in the NMCSD surf therapy program
• Service members who have previously participated in the NMCSD surf therapy program

Trial design

75 participants in 5 patient groups

Surf therapy cohort 1

Description:

The first cohort of participants to enroll in the study (i.e., participants in the first 6-week program)

Treatment:

Behavioral: Surf therapy

Surf therapy cohort 2

Description:

The second cohort of participants to enroll in the study (i.e., participants in the second 6-week program)

Treatment:

Behavioral: Surf therapy

Surf therapy cohort 3

Description:

The third cohort of participants to enroll in the study (i.e., participants in the third 6-week program)

Treatment:

Behavioral: Surf therapy

Surf therapy cohort 4

Description:

The fourth cohort of participants to enroll in the study (i.e., participants in the fourth 6-week program)

Treatment:

Behavioral: Surf therapy

Surf therapy cohort 5

Description:

The fifth cohort of participants to enroll in the study (i.e., participants in the fifth 6-week program)

Treatment:

Behavioral: Surf therapy