Trial of Surf and Hike Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder

Naval Medical Center

Status: Completed

Conditions: Major Depressive Disorder

Treatments: Behavioral: Physical Activity-based Interventions

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other U.S. Federal agency

Identifiers

NCT03302611

NMCSD.2017.0007

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study uses a randomized controlled trial design to compare the psychological effects of surf therapy to hike therapy in active duty service members who have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

Full description

This prospective, longitudinal randomized controlled trial will enroll up to 86 active duty service members with major depressive disorder who are seeking surf or hike therapy as part of their standard medical care. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive 6 weeks of either surf or hike therapy. Assessor-administered and self-report measures will be completed at pre- and post-program, as well as three months following program completion. Participants also will complete brief, self-report assessments before and after each program activity session.

Enrollment: 110 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Be a military service member seeking surf or hike therapy as part of the Wounded, Ill, and Injured Wellness program at Naval Medical Center San Diego;
• Have medical clearance to participate in these programs;
• Have a current diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder based on DSM-5 criteria.

Exclusion criteria

• Service members who are currently receiving surf or hike therapy (i.e., have already started attending program sessions);
• Service members who are currently pregnant

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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110 participants in 2 patient groups

Surf Therapy

Experimental group

Description:

Participants receive a physical activity-based intervention, which in this arm is surf therapy. Each service member is paired with a surf instructor who typically works with them each week for the length of the program.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Physical Activity-based Interventions

Hike Therapy

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants receive a physical activity-based intervention, which in this arm is hike therapy. During hike therapy, service members may hike together or at a self-selected pace.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Physical Activity-based Interventions