Julia Browne1, Alyssa Medenblik2, Michelle Pebole3, Jeffrey J Gregg4, Katherine S Hall5. 1. Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System (JB, MP, KH), Durham, NC. 2. Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee (AM), Knoxville, TN. 3. Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System (JB, MP, KH), Durham, NC; Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (MP), Champaign, IL. 4. Mental and Behavioral Health Service, Durham VA Health Care System (JJG), Durham, NC; Geriatrics Division, Department of Medicine, Duke University (JJG, KH), Durham, NC. 5. Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System (JB, MP, KH), Durham, NC; Geriatrics Division, Department of Medicine, Duke University (JJG, KH), Durham, NC; Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University (KH), Durham, NC. Electronic address: Katherine.hall@duke.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Older veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience substantial physical and mental health challenges. Given the well-known and wide-reaching benefits of exercise, exploring the impact of interventions designed specifically for this population would be valuable. As such, the present study explored perspectives from older veterans with PTSD who participated in Warrior Wellness, a 12-week supervised exercise intervention designed for older veterans with PTSD. This study was aimed at evaluating 1) facilitators of engagement, 2) perceived benefits from the intervention, and 3) recommendations about possible modifications to the intervention. DESIGN: Qualitative study. SETTING: Face-to-face semistructured interviews conducted after the Warrior Wellness trial was completed. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen veterans (100% male, 93% African American or Black, 100% non-Hispanic or Latinx, average age = 68.7 years) who completed the Warrior Wellness exercise program. MEASUREMENTS: Semistructured interviews were conducted using an interview guide that assessed veterans' experience in Warrior Wellness and recommendations for future intervention modifications. Interviews were subsequently transcribed and analyzed by thematic analysis. RESULTS: Shared experience, program features, camaraderie during workouts, and accountability emerged as facilitators of engagement. Perceived benefits spanned physical health, mental health, and behavioral domains. Finally, veterans provided several suggestions for modifying the intervention such as increasing its duration, adding a nutritional component, and including significant others in enrollment. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers valuable insights into the intervention and interpersonal factors that veterans view as important for their engagement in exercise, the perceived benefits of exercise, and the ways in which interventions designed for this population can be refined. Published by Elsevier Inc.
OBJECTIVE: Older veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience substantial physical and mental health challenges. Given the well-known and wide-reaching benefits of exercise, exploring the impact of interventions designed specifically for this population would be valuable. As such, the present study explored perspectives from older veterans with PTSD who participated in Warrior Wellness, a 12-week supervised exercise intervention designed for older veterans with PTSD. This study was aimed at evaluating 1) facilitators of engagement, 2) perceived benefits from the intervention, and 3) recommendations about possible modifications to the intervention. DESIGN: Qualitative study. SETTING: Face-to-face semistructured interviews conducted after the Warrior Wellness trial was completed. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen veterans (100% male, 93% African American or Black, 100% non-Hispanic or Latinx, average age = 68.7 years) who completed the Warrior Wellness exercise program. MEASUREMENTS: Semistructured interviews were conducted using an interview guide that assessed veterans' experience in Warrior Wellness and recommendations for future intervention modifications. Interviews were subsequently transcribed and analyzed by thematic analysis. RESULTS: Shared experience, program features, camaraderie during workouts, and accountability emerged as facilitators of engagement. Perceived benefits spanned physical health, mental health, and behavioral domains. Finally, veterans provided several suggestions for modifying the intervention such as increasing its duration, adding a nutritional component, and including significant others in enrollment. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers valuable insights into the intervention and interpersonal factors that veterans view as important for their engagement in exercise, the perceived benefits of exercise, and the ways in which interventions designed for this population can be refined. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Entities:
Keywords:
Physical activity; engagement; interviews; late life
Authors: Julia Browne; Miriam C Morey; Jean C Beckham; Hayden B Bosworth; Kathryn N Porter Starr; Connie W Bales; Jessica McDermott; Richard Sloane; Jeffrey J Gregg; Katherine S Hall Journal: Transl Behav Med Date: 2021-12-14 Impact factor: 3.626