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Promoting reintegration of National Guard veterans and their partners using a self-directed program of integrative therapies: a pilot study.

Military medicine
December 1, 2012
William Collinge et al. (3 authors)
Clinical Trial, Phase IJournal ArticleResearch Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralHuman StudyClinical
Study Details

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

Extracted Claims (14)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
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
Abstract

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.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AdultFemaleHumansInterpersonal RelationsMaleMassageMeditationMental HealthPilot ProjectsRelaxation TherapySpousesStress Disorders, Post-TraumaticStress, PsychologicalUnited StatesVeterans
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy85/10
Quality75/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations20
Citations/Year1.5
Relative Citation Ratio0.97
NIH Percentile49%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.50
Weight Score1.37
Normalized Score0.69
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