THE EFFECTS OF AN AEROBIC-BASED CONDITIONING PROGRAM ON VETERANS WITH PTSD SYMPTOMS AND SLEEP DEFICIENCIES

Abstract

Veterans have been shown to have increased posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and poorer sleep quality when compared to their civilian counterparts. The purpose of the first study was to evaluate the impact of aerobic exercise on sleep quality in veterans with PTSD (N = 20). The purpose of the second study was to evaluate the impact of aerobic exercise on PTSD symptoms in veterans with poor sleep quality (N = 20). Study one measured sleep scores as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) at multiple time points during an aerobic training routine over an 8-week period. Within study one, there was a control group (N = 10) and an intervention group (N = 10). The difference between the control group’s mid-test PSQI and the intervention group’s mid-test PSQI when controlling for pre-test scores, was statistically significant p = .028. Additionally, the difference between the control group’s post-test PSQI and the intervention group’s post-test PSQI when controlling for pretest scores was statistically significant p = .017. The difference between the control group’s post-test PSQI (M = 13.84, SD = 3.86) and the intervention group’s post-test PSQI when controlling for mid-test scores was not statistically significant p = .957. Study two measured PTSD symptoms as measured by the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Version 5 at multiple time points during an aerobic training routine over an 8-week period. Within study, there was a control group (N = 10) and an intervention group (N = 10). The difference between the control group’s mid-test PCL-5 (M = 55.45, SD = 14.99) and the intervention group’s mid-test PCL-5 when controlling for pre-test scores was statistically significant p = .003. Additionally, the difference between the control group’s post-test PCL-5 and the intervention group’s post-test PCL-5 when controlling for pre-test scores was statistically significant p = .005. The difference between the control group’s post-test PCL-5 and the intervention group’s post-test PCL-5 when controlling for mid-test scores, was not significant p = .655. Both of these studies highlight the application of aerobic exercise as a means to reduce PTSD and poor sleep quality in veterans.