Promoting reintegration of National Guard veterans and their partners using a self-directed program of integrative therapies: a pilot study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-directed program including massage techniques for improving mental health and interpersonal connectedness in National Guard personnel and their partners post-deployment.
Results Summary
The study found significant improvements in PTSD, depression, self-compassion, and stress reduction, with veterans reporting reduced physical pain, tension, irritability, anxiety, and depression after massage. Longitudinal analysis suggested declining baseline levels of tension and irritability.
Population
National Guard personnel and their significant relationship partners returning from Iraq or Afghanistan.
Effective Dosage
Instruction in simple massage techniques (DVD), frequency not specified.
Duration
Assessments at 4 and 8 weeks post-intervention.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
integrated multimedia package of guided meditative, contemplative, and relaxation exercises (CD) and instruction in simple massage techniques (DVD) | decrease | post-traumatic stress disorder | veterans | - | Significant improvements | #1 |
integrated multimedia package of guided meditative, contemplative, and relaxation exercises (CD) and instruction in simple massage techniques (DVD) | decrease | post-traumatic stress disorder | partners | - | Significant improvements | #2 |
integrated multimedia package of guided meditative, contemplative, and relaxation exercises (CD) and instruction in simple massage techniques (DVD) | decrease | depression | veterans | - | Significant improvements | #3 |
integrated multimedia package of guided meditative, contemplative, and relaxation exercises (CD) and instruction in simple massage techniques (DVD) | decrease | depression | partners | - | Significant improvements | #4 |
integrated multimedia package of guided meditative, contemplative, and relaxation exercises (CD) and instruction in simple massage techniques (DVD) | increase | self-compassion | veterans | - | Significant improvements | #5 |
integrated multimedia package of guided meditative, contemplative, and relaxation exercises (CD) and instruction in simple massage techniques (DVD) | increase | self-compassion | partners | - | Significant improvements | #6 |
integrated multimedia package of guided meditative, contemplative, and relaxation exercises (CD) and instruction in simple massage techniques (DVD) | decrease | stress | partners | - | Significant improvements | #7 |
massage | decrease | physical pain | veterans | - | significant reductions | #8 |
massage | decrease | physical tension | veterans | - | significant reductions | #9 |
massage | decrease | irritability | veterans | - | significant reductions | #10 |
massage | decrease | anxiety/worry | veterans | - | significant reductions | #11 |
massage | decrease | depression | veterans | - | significant reductions | #12 |
integrated multimedia package of guided meditative, contemplative, and relaxation exercises (CD) and instruction in simple massage techniques (DVD) | decrease | tension | veterans | - | declining baseline levels | #13 |
integrated multimedia package of guided meditative, contemplative, and relaxation exercises (CD) and instruction in simple massage techniques (DVD) | decrease | irritability | veterans | - | declining baseline levels | #14 |
This article reports pilot data from phase I of a project to develop and evaluate a self-directed program of integrative therapies for National Guard personnel and significant relationship partners to support reintegration and resilience after return from Iraq or Afghanistan. Data are reported on 43 dyads. Intervention was an integrated multimedia package of guided meditative, contemplative, and relaxation exercises (CD) and instruction in simple massage techniques (DVD) to promote stress reduction and interpersonal connectedness. A repeated measures design with standardized instruments was used to establish stability of baseline levels of relevant mental health domains (day 1, day 30), followed by the intervention and assessments 4 and 8 weeks later. Significant improvements in standardized measures for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and self-compassion were seen in both veterans and partners; and in stress for partners. Weekly online reporting tracked utilization of guided exercises and massage. Veterans reported significant reductions in ratings of physical pain, physical tension, irritability, anxiety/worry, and depression after massage, and longitudinal analysis suggested declining baseline levels of tension and irritability. Qualitative data from focus groups and implications for continued development and a phase II trial are discussed.