Study published: Physical activity as support for PTSD in trauma-affected refugees
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A recently published study has evaluated a trauma-informed support programme focusing on physical activity for refugees living with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. One of the study’s co-authors is Maria Gottvall, affiliated researcher at U-CARE and Docent at the Red Cross University.
The study is a randomized controlled trial examining the effects of a ten-week, multi-component programme combining structured physical activity with body-oriented practices and training in psychological tools.
Clear improvements in mental health and wellbeing
The results show that participants who took part in the programme experienced a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms compared to the control group. Symptoms of depression and anxiety also decreased, while subjective wellbeing increased. The effects were significant and remained at follow-up six months after participants had completed the programme.
Participants also increased their level of physical activity from insufficient to sufficient, which is important as low levels of physical activity are common among trauma-affected refugees and may worsen both mental and physical health problems.
Strengthening health among refugees
– Our study shows that tailored support focusing on physical activity can function as an effective complement to traditional treatment for PTSD and comorbid conditions among refugees. We also want to emphaside the importance of accessible and sustainable support that takes both trauma-related challenges and difficulties after displacement into account, says Maria Gottvall.
Miro Anter
Read the article
Read the article 'Evaluation of a trauma-informed physical activity intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and wellbeing in trauma-affected refugees: a randomized controlled trial'. It is written by Henrik Nilsson, Maria Gottvall, Catharina Gustavsson, Alexander Nissen, and Fredrik Saboonchi.