Trial of Surf and Hike Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder

United States Naval Medical Center, San Diego110 enrolled

Overview

This study uses a randomized controlled trial design to compare the psychological effects of surf therapy to hike therapy in active duty service members who have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

This prospective, longitudinal randomized controlled trial will enroll up to 86 active duty service members with major depressive disorder who are seeking surf or hike therapy as part of their standard medical care. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive 6 weeks of either surf or hike therapy. Assessor-administered and self-report measures will be completed at pre- and post-program, as well as three months following program completion. Participants also will complete brief, self-report assessments before and after each program activity session.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

110

Conditions

Major Depressive Disorder

Interventions

Physical Activity-based InterventionsBEHAVIORAL

Participants will be randomized to one of two physical activity-based interventions, surf or hike therapy.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Be a military service member seeking surf or hike therapy as part of the Wounded, Ill, and Injured Wellness program at Naval Medical Center San Diego; * Have medical clearance to participate in these programs; * Have a current diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder based on DSM-5 criteria. Exclusion Criteria: * Service members who are currently receiving surf or hike therapy (i.e., have already started attending program sessions); * Service members who are currently pregnant

Locations (1)

Naval Medical Center San Diego

San Diego, California, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)

The MADRS is a widely used, semi-structured, clinical-interview assessment of depression symptom severity that is intended to be sensitive to change following an intervention.

Time frame: 5 months

Secondary Outcomes

PTSD Checklist (PCL-5)

The PCL-5 is a self-report instrument assessing PTSD symptom severity.

Time frame: 5 months

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7)

The GAD-7 is a self-report instrument that assesses the presence and severity of generalized anxiety disorder.

Time frame: 5 months

Short Form Health Survey - 36 Item, Version 2 (SF-36)

The SF-36 is a widely used questionnaire that assesses functioning physical and mental health based on eight summary measures.

Time frame: 5 months

Positive and Negative Affect scales (PANAS)

PANAS is a self-report instrument that measures the extent of 20 feelings and emotions experienced within the past few hours.

Time frame: 5 months

Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)

The ISI is a 7-item self-report measure that assesses the nature, severity, and impact of insomnia.

Time frame: 5 months

Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)

The PHQ-9 is a self-report instrument that assesses the presence and severity

Time frame: 5 months

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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