Separating the soldier from the war: the effects of a physical activity and discussion based program on Canadian military members with combat-related stress

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Date
2015
Authors
Penfound, Shannon
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Abstract
Recent global conflicts have increased North American military involvement, leading to higher rates of combat-related stress amongst soldiers. Although physical activity is directly correlated with improvements in mental health, the relationship between physical activity and combat-related stress has not been investigated. Using a mixed methodology approach, in this study, local military and ex-military personnel from Winnipeg, Canada, participated in a six week physical activity program in order to examine the influence of physical activity on combat-related stress. It was found that Canadian military members regularly deal with post-combat stressors, value camaraderie, and consider post-deployment support inadequate. The findings may lead to the integration of physical activity into the healing options of war related emotional stress. Future recommendations from this study are proposed.
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Keywords
PTSD, Military, Combat stress, Post-traumatic stress
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