Effects of Sensory-Enhanced Yoga on
Symptoms of Combat Stress in Deployed Military Personnel
By: Carolyn C. Stoller, Jon H. Greuel,
Lucy S. Cimini, Mary S. Fowler, Jane A. Koomar
Summary:
The authors of this study examined the
effects of “sensory-enhanced hatha yoga on symptoms of combat stress in
deployed military personnel, compared their anxiety and sensory processing with
that of stateside civilians, and identified any correlations between the
State–Trait Anxiety Inventory scales and the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile
quadrants.” Studies have shown that traditional healthcare treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) such as talk therapies have had limited success. Non-conventional healthcare treatments
such as yoga incorporates breath work and movement which increases heart rate
and reduces symptoms of PTSD. According to a Walter Reed Medical Center study,
yoga nidra reduced the severity of insomnia, depression, anxiety, and fear, all
symptoms on the PTSD list.
The authors of this study used a
randomized control trial to research the effects of sensory-enhanced hatha yoga
on combat stress. Participants had to be deployed to Forward Operating Base
Warrior, Kirkuk, or Iraq. Military personnel were contacted by email and flyers
to participate in the study. The study consisted of 35 treatment and 35 control
participants. According to the authors, “Of the 70 participants, 20 were in the
U.S Army and 50 were in the U.S Air Force; 22 were women and 48 were men.” The
treatment participants took part in hatha yoga classes for three weeks, seven
times a week, a minimum of nine times during the three week period.
Overall, sensory-enhanced hatha yoga was
effective in reducing anxiety. Military personnel “showed significantly greater
improvements than control participants on 16 of 18 mental health and
quality-of-life factors.” Of the 70 participates, 54 percent showed sleep
improvements, 37 percent felt more relaxed, 26 percent felt an increase in physical
benefits, and 11 percent reported better frustration and anger management. The
results of this study supports the use of sensory-enhanced hatha yoga to control
and manage combat stress.
Critique:
The authors of this study provided strong
evidence that sensory-enhanced hatha yoga reduced PTSD and combat stress.
However, I would have liked to gain a better understanding of the background of
the participants such as, how long they were deployed and what military
occupation specialty they held while in deployment.
Source:
Stoller, C. C., Greuel, J. H., Cimini,
L. S., Fowler, M. S., & Koomar, J. A. (2012). Effects of Sensory-Enhanced
Yoga on Symptoms of Combat Stress in Deployed Military Personnel. American
Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66(1), 59–68. doi:10.5014/ajot.2012.001230
Posts
Joy,
ReplyDeleteCould you quickly explain what hatha yoga is and how it it is different from other forms of yoga? Also, do you believe hatha yoga would help intelligence analysts with their forecasting abilities, or primarily just help with reducing the stress and anxiety they face on a day to day basis?
Harrison- "These days hatha is most often used to describe gentle, basic classes with no flow between poses. A hatha class will likely be a slow-paced stretching class with some simple breathing exercises and perhaps seated meditation. This is a good place to learn beginners' poses, relaxation techniques, and become comfortable with yoga." You can find more information out at http://yoga.about.com/od/typesofyoga/a/hatha.htm.
ReplyDeleteOverall, I do think that yoga can help with forecasting abilities in addition to reducing stress. Yoga has many benefits. It can clear and strengthen the mind.