Evaluation of Outcomes Following Surf Therapy

NCT02857751 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: NMCSD.2016.0032
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 75
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Depression; Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Keywords

depression; PTSD; anxiety; surf therapy

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8)

  Self-reported depression symptoms

  From pre- to post-program (e.g., approximately 6-8 weeks)

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8)

  From pre- to post-program (e.g., approximately 6-8 weeks)

Study Arms (5)

Surf therapy cohort 1

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

Behavioral: Surf therapy

Surf therapy cohort 2

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

Behavioral: Surf therapy

Surf therapy cohort 3

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

Behavioral: Surf therapy

Surf therapy cohort 4

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

Behavioral: Surf therapy

Surf therapy cohort 5

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

Behavioral: Surf therapy

Interventions

Surf therapy BEHAVIORAL

The NMCSD surf therapy program is approximately 6 weeks in duration. Each surf therapy session lasts 2-3 hours and occurs in a group setting that can accommodate up to 20 service members per session. Each service member is paired with a surf instructor who works with him or her each week for the 6-week session. Goals are individually-tailored to the service member (based on participant's level of comfort in the water, experience with surfing, etc.) and can incorporate both physical and psychological objectives.

Surf therapy cohort 1; Surf therapy cohort 2; Surf therapy cohort 3; Surf therapy cohort 4; Surf therapy cohort 5

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The sample will consist of up to 75 active-duty service members (male or female) who are seeking surf therapy through the WII Wellness Program at NMCSD. As the study is being implemented into standard care, the current study is designed to have broad eligibility criteria.

You may qualify if:

• 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

You may not qualify if:

• 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

Sponsors & Collaborators

• United States Naval Medical Center, San Diego: lead
• Naval Health Research Center: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Naval Medical Center San Diego

San Diego, California, 92134, United States

Location

Related Publications (3)

• Walter, K. H., Otis, N. P., Ray, T. N., Powell, A. L., Glassman, L. H., Michalewicz-Kragh, B., & Thomsen, C. J. (2019). Breaking the Surface: Psychological Outcomes among U.S. active duty service members following a surf therapy program. Psychology of Sport and Exercise. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2019.101551

  RESULT

• Otis, N. P., Walter, K. H., Glassman, L. H., Ray, T. N., Michalewicz-Kragh, B., & Thomsen, C. J. (2020). Effects of PTSD and MDD comorbidity on psychological changes during surf therapy sessions for active duty service members. Special Issue of Global Journal of Community Psychology and Practice on Surf Therapy. https://www.gjcpp.org/en/article.php?issue=36&article=210

  RESULT

• Glassman LH, Otis NP, Michalewicz-Kragh B, Walter KH. Gender Differences in Psychological Outcomes Following Surf Therapy Sessions among U.S. Service Members. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Apr 27;18(9):4634. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18094634.

  PMID: 33925447 RESULT

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Depression; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Anxiety Disorders

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavioral Symptoms; Behavior; Stress Disorders, Traumatic; Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Officials

• Betty Michalewicz-Kragh, M.S.

  United States Naval Medical Center, San Diego

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: FED
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Clinical Research Psychologist

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 13, 2016
• First Posted: August 5, 2016
• Study Start: June 1, 2016
• Primary Completion: December 15, 2017
• Study Completion: December 31, 2018
• Last Updated: September 8, 2021

Record last verified: 2021-08

Locations

US (1)