ARTICLE INFO

Article Type

Original Research

Authors

Mandani   B. (* )
Hosseini   S.A. (1 )
Saadat Abadi   M. (2 )
Farahbod   M. (2 )






(* ) “Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center” and “Occupational Therapy Department. Rehabilitation School”, Jundishapour University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
(1 ) Pediatric Neuro Rehabilitation Research Center, University of Welfare Sciences & Rehabilitation, Tehran , Iran
(2 ) Special Education Department, Exceptional Children Research Center and Institute, Tehran, Iran

Correspondence

Address: Occupational Therapy Department, Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Research Center, Jundishapour University of Medical Sciences, Golestan Boulevard, Ahvaz, Iran. Postal Code: 61357-33133
Phone: +986113743101
Fax: +986113743506
ghazal.mandani@gmail.com

Article History

Received:   December  10, 2014
Accepted:   February 24, 2015
ePublished:   April 20, 2015

ABSTRACT

Aims War veterans have different physical and mental problems due to exposure to variety of traumatic events and stressors and these problems affect their quality of life seriously. One of the nonmedical treatments that can improve their quality of life is exercise and physical activities. Aim of the present study was to determine the effect of group exercise program on the quality of life in war veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Materials & Methods In this single blinded, clinical controlled trial, in 2014, the quality of life of 30 PTSD war veterans from accessible population in a hospital in Ahwaz city, Iran, was measured in 2 equal experiment and control groups. Treatment protocol consisted of group exercise program occurred in 12 weeks, 2 days a week and 40 minutes a day. Measurements were conducted by 36-item Short Form of Health Survey before, after and one month after the treatment period. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 16 software with One-way ANOVA and ANOVA with repeated measurements tests.
Findings There were significant differences in experimental group compared to control group in mental scale (p=0.031), physical scale (p<0.01) and total score of the quality of life (p=0.012).
Conclusion Physical exercise and group exercise program can improve quality of life in mental health and physical health scale in PTSD war veterans.


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