Research
Improving the Health of Veterans Though Moving Meditation Practices: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study
Authors:
Shannon Munro ,
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, US
About Shannon
Matthew Komelski,
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, US
About Matthew
Brian Lutgens,
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, US
About Brian
Julian Lagoy,
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, US
About Julian
Mark Detweiler
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, US
About Mark
Abstract
This study explores the use of low-to-moderate intensity mindfulness-based exercises (“moving meditation”) to improve Veteran physical activity level and physiological health and psychological well-being including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomology. 12-week, pre- and post-test intervention, mixed methods pilot. Setting/Subjects: Veterans with a history of posttraumatic stress disorder receiving care at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salem, Virginia. All Veterans participated in bi-weekly classroom instruction prior to a 6-10 minute warm up period of Qigong exercises, followed by a 30 minute period of Taijiquan/Qigong or mindful-meditative walking, followed by a 6-10 minute cool down period of light movement. Overall physical activity was measured for a one-week period before and after the 12-week intervention period with an Actigraph accelerometer. Physiological health indices were measured pre- and post- 12-week intervention, including salivary cortisol, Hgb A1C, fasting glucose, gonadal panel (FSH, LH, testosterone), albumin, hs-CRP, and sex hormone-binding globulin. Veterans’ mental well-being was measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale, the PTSD Checklist (PCL-C), the Cohen Perceived Stress scale, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Participants reported increased frequency and enjoyment of physical activity; improvement in Hgb A1C; improvement in balance and movement awareness; improvement in emotional regulation and focus; and reported reduced depression, stress and anxiety, and PTSD symptoms that benefitted social interactions. Moving meditation as part of a multifaceted treatment approach may increase physical activity, improve physiological health, and enhance mental well-being, particularly with respect to PTSD.
How to Cite:
Munro, S., Komelski, M., Lutgens, B., Lagoy, J., & Detweiler, M. (2019). Improving the Health of Veterans Though Moving Meditation Practices: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study. Journal of Veterans Studies, 5(1), 16–23. DOI: http://doi.org/10.21061/jvs.v5i1.128
Published on
21 Oct 2019.
Peer Reviewed
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