Yoga resilience training to prevent the development of posttraumatic stress disorder in active-duty first responders: A cluster randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Evidence on effective prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is sparse, particularly among first responders. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Tactical Mind-Body Resilience Training program on PTSD symptoms in first responders. METHOD: Active-duty first responders (n = 80; Mage = 41.8 years, 82.5% men) were randomized to the intervention group or the waitlist control condition. PTSD symptoms as measured by the PTSD-8 were the primary outcome assessed at postintervention and at 3-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were cognitive and emotional coping strategies, resilience, somatic symptoms, work performance, and sickness absence. RESULTS: At postintervention, the intervention group had significantly reduced PTSD symptoms compared to the control group (d = -0.26, difference = -2.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-4.93, -0.11], p = .040); however, this difference was attenuated at 3-month follow-up (d = -0.07, difference = -1.41, 95% CI [-3.83, 1.01], p = .248). The intervention group had significant improvements in cognitive reappraisal and resilience at postintervention compared to the control group, which were sustained at 3 months. The remaining secondary outcomes had statistically nonsignificant improvements. CONCLUSIONS: This workplace-delivered intervention shows potential in preventing the development of PTSD in first responders. Further research is needed on maintaining long-term benefits of this training. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).