Evaluation of Physical Activity Habits in Patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

OBJECTIVE In this study, we present data from a survey that aimed to assess the physical activity habits of adult Brazilian patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. METHOD Fifty male and female patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder participated in this study. The mean age at onset was 37+/-12 years, and the mean time between diagnosis and follow-up was 3.6+/-4.2 years. RESULTS Substantial changes in physical activity habits were observed following the onset of PTSD. While more than half of the patients participated in physical activities prior to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder onset, there was a significant reduction in their participation afterwards. The justifications for stopping physical activities or sport participation were lack of time and lack of motivation. DISCUSSION Several studies have shown that physical exercise decreases reverts symptoms of psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety and social isolation. We could therefore hypothesize that patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder who exercise should experience the same benefits. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated that patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder have low levels of participation in sports or physical activities.