Evaluation of Outcomes Following Surf Therapy

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The current study evaluates psychological and physical health outcomes for active-duty service members following participation in an established surf therapy program. Participants complete assessments before and after the surf therapy program, as well as brief assessments before and after each surf therapy session.

Detailed Description
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The proposed study would evaluate whether an existing surf therapy program that is part of the Wounded, Ill, and Injured (WII) Wellness Program at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), significantly reduces both psychological symptoms (e.g., PTSD, depression, anxiety, negative affect, lack of positive affect) and physical symptoms (e.g., pain, sleep) among active-duty service members. Psychological and physical symptoms will be assessed before beginning the surf program and at program completion. In addition, brief assessments of mood and symptoms will be completed before and after each individual surf therapy session.

Official Title
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Evaluation of Health Outcomes Following the NMCSD Surf Therapy Program

Conditions
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Depression, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Surf therapy


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Active-duty military service members seeking surf therapy at NMCSD and have been medically cleared to participate Diagnosis of either a psychological (e.g., PTSD, depression) or physical (e.g., amputated limb; traumatic brain injury) condition that served as a reason for referral Exclusion Criteria: Service members who cannot receive medical clearance to participate in the NMCSD surf therapy program Service members who have previously participated in the NMCSD surf therapy program

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Surf therapy cohort 1<br>The first cohort of participants to enroll in the study (i.e., participants in the first 6-week program) | Behavioral: Surf therapy<br>* The NMCSD surf therapy program is approximately 6 weeks in duration. Each surf therapy session lasts 2-3 hours and occurs in a group setting that can accommodate up to 20 service members per session. Each service member is paired with a surf instructor who works with him or her each week for the 6-week session. Goals are individually-tailored to the service member (based on participant's level of comfort in the water, experience with surfing, etc.) and can incorporate both physical and psychological objectives.<br>|
| Surf therapy cohort 2<br>The second cohort of participants to enroll in the study (i.e., participants in the second 6-week program) | Behavioral: Surf therapy<br>* The NMCSD surf therapy program is approximately 6 weeks in duration. Each surf therapy session lasts 2-3 hours and occurs in a group setting that can accommodate up to 20 service members per session. Each service member is paired with a surf instructor who works with him or her each week for the 6-week session. Goals are individually-tailored to the service member (based on participant's level of comfort in the water, experience with surfing, etc.) and can incorporate both physical and psychological objectives.<br>|
| Surf therapy cohort 3<br>The third cohort of participants to enroll in the study (i.e., participants in the third 6-week program) | Behavioral: Surf therapy<br>* The NMCSD surf therapy program is approximately 6 weeks in duration. Each surf therapy session lasts 2-3 hours and occurs in a group setting that can accommodate up to 20 service members per session. Each service member is paired with a surf instructor who works with him or her each week for the 6-week session. Goals are individually-tailored to the service member (based on participant's level of comfort in the water, experience with surfing, etc.) and can incorporate both physical and psychological objectives.<br>|
| Surf therapy cohort 4<br>The fourth cohort of participants to enroll in the study (i.e., participants in the fourth 6-week program) | Behavioral: Surf therapy<br>* The NMCSD surf therapy program is approximately 6 weeks in duration. Each surf therapy session lasts 2-3 hours and occurs in a group setting that can accommodate up to 20 service members per session. Each service member is paired with a surf instructor who works with him or her each week for the 6-week session. Goals are individually-tailored to the service member (based on participant's level of comfort in the water, experience with surfing, etc.) and can incorporate both physical and psychological objectives.<br>|
| Surf therapy cohort 5<br>The fifth cohort of participants to enroll in the study (i.e., participants in the fifth 6-week program) | Behavioral: Surf therapy<br>* The NMCSD surf therapy program is approximately 6 weeks in duration. Each surf therapy session lasts 2-3 hours and occurs in a group setting that can accommodate up to 20 service members per session. Each service member is paired with a surf instructor who works with him or her each week for the 6-week session. Goals are individually-tailored to the service member (based on participant's level of comfort in the water, experience with surfing, etc.) and can incorporate both physical and psychological objectives.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) | Self-reported depression symptoms | From pre- to post-program (e.g., approximately 6-8 weeks) | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) | Report of satisfaction with the surf therapy program | From pre- to post-program (e.g., approximately 6-8 weeks) | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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depression, PTSD, anxiety, surf therapy