Outcomes of a Therapeutic Fly-Fishing Program for Veterans with Combat-Related Disabilities: A Community-Based Rehabilitation Initiative

Bennett, Jessie L.; Piatt, Jennifer; Puymbroeck, Marieke Van

doi:10.1007/s10597-017-0124-9

Cited by 33 publications

(41 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…In recent years researchers have begun to explore the possibility that outdoor recreational activity experiences may have therapeutic benefit to military veterans with PTSD. Outdoor recreational experiences have attracted a multitude of labels including 'green exercise' [23,28], 'therapeutic recreation' [29], 'forest bathing' [30] 'peer outdoor support therapy' [31], 'nature adventure rehabilitation' [32], 'nature based therapy' [33] and 'nature recreation experience' [34]. These interventions often combine the benefits of a natural environment with learning a new recreational skill from certified professionals.…”

Section: An Alternative Approach: Outdoor Recreation Experiencesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Outdoor recreational activity experiences improve psychological wellbeing of military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: Positive findings from a pilot study and a randomised controlled trial

et al. 2020

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Exposure to the natural environment is increasingly considered to benefit psychological health. Recent reports in the literature also suggest that outdoor exposure that includes recreational pursuits such as surfing or fishing coupled with opportunities for social interaction with peers may be beneficial to Armed Forces Veterans experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Two studies were conducted to evaluate this possibility. In particular, these studies aimed to test the hypothesis that a brief group outdoor activity would decrease participants’ symptoms as assessed by established measures of PTSD, depression, anxiety and perceived stress, and increase participants’ sense of general social functioning and psychological growth. Experiment one employed a repeated measures design in which UK men and women military veterans with PTSD (N = 30) participated in a group outdoor activity (angling, equine care, or archery and falconry combined). Psychological measures were taken at 2 weeks prior, 2 weeks post, and at 4 month follow up. We obtained a significant within participant main effect indicating significant reduction in PTSD symptoms. Experiment two was a waitlist controlled randomised experiment employing an angling experience (N = 18) and 2 week follow up. In experiment 2 the predicted interaction of Group (Experimental vs. Waitlist Control) X Time (2 weeks pre vs. 2 weeks post) was obtained indicating that the experience resulted in significant reduction in PTSD symptoms relative to waitlist controls. The effect size was large. Additional analyses confirmed that the observed effects might also be considered clinically significant and reliable. In sum, peer outdoor experiences are beneficial and offer potential to complement existing provision for military veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Trial registration The authors confirm that all ongoing and related trials for this intervention are registered. The studies reported in this manuscript are registered as clinical trials at ISRCTN: Pilot ID– ISRCTN15325073 RCT ID– ISRCTN59395217

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Section: An Alternative Approach: Outdoor Recreation Experiencesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Outdoor recreational activity experiences improve psychological wellbeing of military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: Positive findings from a pilot study and a randomised controlled trial

et al. 2020

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“…It is imperative to examine whether Veterans have disproportionate access to green space and nature, given evidence that green space and nature settings have the potential to improve psychological well-being, social functioning, and life outlook. [32][33][34]…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The study suggested nature as a co-therapist and an effective method for decreasing symptoms of PTSD and contributing to rehabilitation. Similarly, Bennett et al 34 found signifi cant mental health benefits associated with a "fl y-fi shing" intervention program for Veterans with PTSD. Th rough focus group discussions, the latter study provided an increased understanding of how Veterans perceive therapeutic outdoor-based recreation programs and the associated mental health benefi ts.…”

Section: Interventions and Restoration Effects Related To Green Spacementioning

confidence: 94%

“…Three studies focused on the mental health benefi ts of participation in nature-based recreation activities for the Veteran population. [32][33][34] Th e first was a 1-week intervention study that consisted of engaging Veterans in nature-based recreation, including participating in extended group-based outdoor experiences. The intervention resulted in signifi cant improvements in psychological well-being, social functioning, and life outlook.…”

Section: Interventions and Restoration Effects Related To Green Spacementioning

confidence: 99%

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Green space and mental health for vulnerable populations: A conceptual review of the evidence

BarakatCaroline

YousufzaiSusan

2020

Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health

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Introduction: Mental health is an essential component of overall health that is affected by various environmental factors. Research suggests the inclusion of green space and nature settings in built environments is beneficial for mental health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as military Veterans. Inequities exist for certain populations in relation to accessing a high quality and quantity of green space. Methods: This conceptual review offers a broad assessment of peer-reviewed literature examining links between green space and mental health. Results: Many studies have highlighted associations between exposure to green space and the mental health of vulnerable populations, such as Veterans and individuals of relatively low socio-economic status (SES). Evidence points to the importance of contextual features of green space, such as quality and quantity of green space, in relation to mental health benefits. Engagement in nature-based outdoor activities in green space, or other nature settings, appears to offer restorative effects linked to cognitive function and mental health benefits. Discussion: There is an emerging body of evidence on the relationship between mental well-being and accessibility to green space and nature settings, particularly for vulnerable populations. More research should focus on accessibility to green space and nature settings for the Veteran population.

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“… 12 For unique populations such as veterans with combat-related disabilities or patients with breast cancer, fly-fishing has been shown to increase subjective and objective measures of healing and quality of life. 1 , 6 , 7…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Upper Extremity Pain and Overuse Injuries in Fly-Fishing: A North American Cross-Sectional Survey and Implications for Injury Prevention

Kuhn

2020

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine

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Background: Fly-fishing requires rhythmic, coordinated movements to successfully cast a fly line. Previous studies have shown that the biomechanical demands of fly-casting may cause some individuals to develop upper extremity pain or injuries. Purpose: To report the rates, trends, and contributing factors of upper extremity pain and overuse injuries in a sample of North American recreational fly-fishers. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: Participants were reached via 3 popular online fly-fishing forums in April 2019. Each consenting North American participant over 18 years of age was given a link to a unique survey that recorded his or her demographic and orthopaedic histories, fly-fishing experience, equipment, casting techniques, upper extremity pain after fly-fishing, and chronic outcomes. Results: The 162 fly-fishers included were 63.3 (± 11.5) years of age, and 95.1% were men. In total, 59 (36.4%) reported experiencing upper extremity pain immediately after fly-fishing. Pain was rated a 4.0 (interquartile range, 3.0-6.0) on a 10-point Likert scale, commonly lasting less than 1 day (45.0%) or between 1 day and 1 week (45.0%). The majority (62.7%) reported not needing to see a medical provider for their pain/soreness. Those who did most commonly received diagnoses of elbow or rotator cuff tendinitis. Pain/soreness was associated with casting in an elliptical/sidearm fashion, compared with overhead or 2-handed casting ( P = .006) using a weighted line or added weight (split-shot, weighted heads, etc) ( P = .034) and with grip styles where the hand was pronated compared with being in a more neutral position ( P = .046). The mean shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 10.8 (± 11.5). Higher scores were associated with a history of self-reported upper extremity orthopaedic injuries (B = 6.059 [95% CI, 2.476-9.642]; SE, 1.814; P = .001) and having had surgery for these injuries (B = 8.484 [95% CI, 4.454-12.513]; SE, 0.314; P < .001). Conclusion: In this sample of recreational fly-fishers, no aspects of fly-fishing were associated with long-term upper extremity disability, and only a little more than a third reported having transient pain immediately after fishing. Casting style, using weighted lines or added weight, and grip style were all associated with pain. These are modifiable risk factors that can be adjusted to reduce the risk of upper extremity pain immediately after fly-fishing.

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Outcomes of a Therapeutic Fly-Fishing Program for Veterans with Combat-Related Disabilities: A Community-Based Rehabilitation Initiative

Cited by 33 publications

References 49 publications

Outdoor recreational activity experiences improve psychological wellbeing of military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: Positive findings from a pilot study and a randomised controlled trial

Outdoor recreational activity experiences improve psychological wellbeing of military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: Positive findings from a pilot study and a randomised controlled trial

Green space and mental health for vulnerable populations: A conceptual review of the evidence

Upper Extremity Pain and Overuse Injuries in Fly-Fishing: A North American Cross-Sectional Survey and Implications for Injury Prevention

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