@2024 Afarand., IRAN

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ISSN: 2008-2630    Iranian Journal of War & Public Health 2019;11(3):117-132

Background
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) consists of a set of specific symptoms that occur following exposure to a traumatic stress factor or factors [1].
Previous Studies
One of the major cognitive disorders associated with PTSD is attention and memory deficits [1]. ... [2-11]. Physical activity is one of the non-pharmacological strategies to promote physical and cognitive health. In this regard, a study has shown that in patients with memory impairment due to stroke, exercise can improve memory [12]. It has also been reported that in patients with Down's syndrome who suffer from memory deficits, aerobic exercise results in improved numerical and visual memory [13]. Considering the effects of playing games and rhythmic play movements on short-term auditory memory function in samples with learning disorders, it has also been reported that performing 8 weeks of rhythmic movement training significantly improves short-term memory and auditory memory [3]. In the inactive healthy middle-aged people, it has also been reported that regular aerobic training by increasing the amount of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) can improve short- and mid-term memory [14]. [15]. Based on the aforementioned studies, new studies support the hypothesis that physical activity or regular exercise is closely associated with improved working memory and attention in people with cognitive impairment. [3]. ... [18-22]
Aim(s)
The current study aimed at investigating the effects of aerobic exercises on memory and attention in veterans with PTSD.
Research type
The present research is a semi-experimental study with pre-test post-test design and control group.
Research society, place and time
This study was conducted in 2016 among patients with PTSD, who were referred to Boostan Psychiatric Hospital in Ahvaz
Sampling method and number
21 subjects were selected by voluntary sampling method and then randomly divided into two groups of aerobic exercise (n = 11) and control (n = 10). Inclusion criteria were no participation in other psychological interventions and other disorders, such as depression and so on.
Used devices&materials
At first, the goals, details, as well as the training were explained to the subjects, and before the training, the subjects completed the PARQ Questionnaire and were classified as low risk group. Then written consent was obtained. Measurements were performed in two stages, 24 h before and 48 h after the intervention. Wechsler's stand test with good reliability was used to measure memory. The level of attention was measured by Stroop test. In this test, the stimulus presentation interval is 800 ms and the duration of each stimulus presentation is 2 milliseconds. Its appropriate validity and reliability in assessing recovery in adults and children were approved. The validity of this test has been reported through retesting in the range of 0.80 to 0.91 [23]. … [24]. The aerobic training program consisted of incremental continuous aerobic exercise using a treadmill and a bicycle. According to the protocol (continuously increasing) based on the patient's performance in the first training session, the initial intensity of exercise and rest periods were determined. Then, the intensity and duration of the exercises were increased weekly by observing the overload principle. The protocol was performed for 8 weeks and 3 sessions per week (24 training sessions) (Table 1). Target heart rate (THR) was calculated using the Karunen formula: THR= Resting Heart Rate + Intensity Percentage Exercise × (Resting Heart Rate - Maximum Heart Rate) Dependent T-test was used to compare intra-group changes and independent T-test was used for intergroup comparison. All statistical analyzes were performed using SPSS 22 software.
Findings by Text
There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of demographic variables (p>0.05; Table 2).In the aerobic exercise group, in the post-test compared to the pre-test, the mean scores of all subscales of Wechsler memory significantly increased, but there was no significant difference in the control group. Significant differences were found in all sub-scales of Wechsler's memory subscales between exercise and control groups (Table 3).Also, in the aerobic group, in the post-test compared to the pre-test, the mean scores of all attention level changes subscales changed significantly, whereas in the control group there was no significant difference. Significant differences in attention level changes subscales were also observed in intergroup comparison between the exercise and control groups (Table 4).
Main comparison to the similar studies
The results of the study on the effect of aerobic training on memory performance of veterans with PTSD showed that 8 weeks of regular aerobic training significantly increased the Wechsler memory subscales and their overall memory gain. These results are consistent with the results of studies by Izanloo et al. [13], Ghorbanpour et al. [3], Dehghani Zadeh et al. [26], Sadeghi et al. [27], Babakhani et al. [28], Patki et al. [29] Kim & Seu [30] and Powers et al. [31]. ... [32-37]. The findings of the present study on the effect of aerobic training on the selective attention of veterans with PTSD indicated that regular participation in aerobic activities significantly reduced the intervention score (a significant increase in selective attention) in PTSD veterans. These results are consistent with the research findings of Abedi et al. [35], Bahram et al. [38], Fathi Rezai et al. [39], Sarley et al. [34] and it is not consistent with the [36] study. … [41-45].
Suggestions
It is suggested to study different aerobic training protocols on dependent variables similar to this study.
Limitations
The sample was limited to the veterans with PTSD in Ahwaz, so the results should be generalized cautiously.
Conclusions
Aerobic exercises are effective in improving memory performance and attention in patients with PTSD.
Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful to the veterans and staff of the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, who help us in this research.
Conflict of interest
None declared.
Ethical Permissions
Confidentiality of data and the preparation of subjects psychologically were considered.
Funding Sources
This study was supported by the authors.

TABLES and CHARTS

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