Exercise is medicine for mental health in military veterans: a qualitative commentary. Issue 4 (8th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Caddick, Nick; Smith, Brett
• Is Part Of: Qualitative research in sport, exercise & health. Volume 10:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 429
• Page End: 440
• Publication Date: 2018-08-08
• Subjects: Exercise -- medicine -- veterans -- mental health -- PTSD -- qualitative research; Sports sciences -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; Health -- Research -- Methodology -- Periodicals; 613.71
• DOI: 10.1080/2159676X.2017.1333033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2159-676X

Abstract

Abstract: Different approaches to treatment for mental health problems in military veterans continue to attract research attention. In addition to the NICE-approved treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy and eye-movement desensitisation and reprocessing, a number of novel and innovative approaches have recently been developed. One such approach is encapsulated under the emerging paradigm of 'exercise as/is medicine'. Following recent calls to strengthen the evidence base for new and emerging mental health treatments for veterans, this paper presents a commentary on current evidence in support of 'exercise as medicine' derived from qualitative research studies. It is concluded that qualitative research has made a significant contribution to the emerging evidence base for exercise-based interventions. This evidence base can be used to inform current debates about quality assurance in the area of veterans' mental health-care and to underpin quality provision for service users. Qualitative research also has a significant future contribution to make towards improving the evaluation of novel treatment approaches, generating more impactful research and increasing the applicability of research findings in 'exercise as/is medicine'. The paper closes with some critical reflections on the role of exercise-based interventions as a means of helping veterans improve their mental health.