A randomized controlled trial of surf and hike therapy for U.S. active duty service members with major depressive disorder
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Walter, K. H., Otis, N. P., Ray, T. N., Glassman, L. H., Beltran, J. L., … Michalewicz-Kragh, B. (2023). A randomized controlled trial of surf and hike therapy for U.S. active duty service members with major depressive disorder. BMC Psychiatry, 23, Article 109. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-04452-7
Abstract Created by REACH:
This randomized controlled trial examined the effectiveness of surf therapy, a water activity-based intervention, for active-duty Service members diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). 96 Service members were randomly assigned to either 6 weekly sessions of surf therapy (n = 48) or the hike therapy control (n = 48). Before the intervention, Service members reported their demographic characteristics and whether they were receiving psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy. Depressive symptoms were assessed via clinical interviews and self-reports before, after, and 3 months following their respective intervention. Service members also reported their depressive and anxiety symptoms before and after each session. On average, surf therapy and hike therapy participants experienced similar reductions in depressive symptoms up to 3 months after the interventions.
Focus:
Mental health
Programming
Trauma
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Subject Affiliation:
Active duty service member
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Longitudinal Study
Qualitative Study
Quantitative Study
Authors:
Walter, Kristen H., Otis, Nicholas P., Ray, Travis N., Glassman, Lisa H., Beltran, Jessica L., Kobayashi Elliott, Kim T., Michalewicz-Kragh, Betty
Abstract:
Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most prevalent mental health disorder worldwide, including among U.S. service members. In addition to evidence-based treatments, activity-based approaches have been shown to effectively treat depressive symptoms, particularly when they occur in the natural environment. Methods This study compared two activity-based interventions, Surf Therapy and Hike Therapy, on depression outcomes among 96 active duty service members with MDD. Participants were randomized to 6 weeks of Surf or Hike Therapy. Clinician-administered and self-report measures were completed at preprogram, postprogram, and 3-month follow-up. A brief depression/anxiety measure was completed before and after each activity session. Results Multilevel modeling results showed that continuous depression outcomes changed significantly over time (ps < .001). Although service members in Hike Therapy reported higher average depression scores than those in Surf Therapy, the trajectory of symptom improvement did not significantly differ between groups. Regarding MDD diagnostic status, there were no significant differences between the groups at postprogram (p = .401), but Surf Therapy participants were more likely to remit from MDD than were those in Hike Therapy at the 3-month follow-up (p = .015). Limitations The sample consisted of service members, so results may not generalize to other populations. Most participants received concurrent psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy, and, although statistically accounted for, results should be interpreted in this context. Conclusions Both Surf and Hike Therapies appear to be effective adjunctive interventions for service members with MDD. Research is needed to examine the effectiveness of these therapies as standalone interventions.
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Featured Research
Keywords:
depression, exercise, military, natural environment, nature exposure, nature-based recreation therapy, outdoor activity, physical activity, randomized controlled trial
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
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