The present study is a group randomized trial assessing the impact of mindfulness and yoga training on the health, performance, and well-being of soldiers in Basic Combat Training (BCT). Randomization occurred at the platoon level, and platoons received either a combined mindfulness and yoga regimen or training as usual.
This program evaluation assessed a training initiative developed and implemented by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. Four surveys were conducted with soldiers in all participating platoons over the course of BCT, and two additional surveys were administered with those soldiers in the mindfulness and yoga intervention condition. A follow-up survey was distributed to all participants 6-12 months after BCT. In addition, two surveys were conducted with BCT cadre and drill sergeants. Army data reflecting performance, attrition, and health were also obtained for analysis.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
1,896
Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT) was delivered in 4, 2-hour sessions over 4 weeks. Participants also completed 15 minutes of group mindfulness practice 6 days/week and received information on embedded practice during the duty day. Yoga was delivered 6 days/week, 30 minutes per day during warm-up (15 min) and cool-down (15 min) as part of Army physical readiness training.
Fort Jackson
Fort Jackson, South Carolina, United States
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) Two-Item Version: Change in Scores Over Time
The PHQ-2 is a validated screening tool for depression. The PHQ-2 included a single item assessing impairment in functioning attributable to reported symptoms.
Time frame: 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks; 6-12 month follow-up
ICD-10 Musculoskeletal Diagnoses: Occurrence Over Time
ICD-10 musculoskeletal diagnoses (M group) and associated encounter information drawn from U.S. Army records
Time frame: 0-10 weeks
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Two Item Version: Change Over Time
The GAD-2 is a validated screening tool for anxiety. The GAD-2 included a single item assessing impairment in functioning attributable to reported symptoms.
Time frame: 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks; 6-12 month follow-up
Insomnia Severity Index (ISI): Change Over Time
The ISI is a validated screening tool for insomnia and sleep-related problems.
Time frame: 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Sleep Quality Item: Change Over Time
A single item from the PSQI was used to assess overall sleep quality.
Time frame: 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks
Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS): Change Over Time
The DVPRS is a measure of self-reported pain designed for use in military and veteran populations. The DVPRS was adapted for the present study to assess pain-related interference with training, sleep, mood, and stress.
Time frame: 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks; 6-12 month follow-up
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15): Change Over Time
The PHQ-15 is a validated measure of a range of patient health outcomes. Ten items from the PHQ-15 were used to assess physical pain and assorted medical symptoms.
Time frame: 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks; 6-12 month follow-up
Mental Toughness Inventory (MTI): Change Over Time
The MTI is a measure of mental toughness and resilience. Eight items from the MTI were used in the present evaluation: Four items assessed mental toughness during stressful events, and four items assessed mental toughness following stressful events.
Time frame: 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks; 6-12 month follow-up
Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA): Change Over Time
The MAIA is a measure of interoceptive awareness and mindfulness-related constructs. Ten items from the MAIA were used in the present evaluation: Six items assessed the capacity to not self-distract, and four items assessed capacity for self-regulation.
Time frame: 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks; 6-12 month follow-up
Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ): Change Over Time
The FFMQ is a measure of engagement in mindful awareness.
Time frame: 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks
Brief Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS): Change Over Time
The Brief DERS is a shortened version of a validated measure assessing ability to manage difficult emotions. Subscales assessed difficulties with emotional awareness, impulse control, and engaging in goal-directed behavior.
Time frame: 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks; 6-12 month follow-up
Attitudes toward Mindfulness Training: Change Over Time
Four items developed for the current evaluation were used to assess perceived acceptability and utility of mindfulness training.
Time frame: 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks
Overall Health: Change Over Time
A single item was used to assess self-rated health.
Time frame: 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks; 6-12 month follow-up
Indiscipline: Occurrence Over Time
Seven items developed for the current evaluation were used to assess behaviors that reflect indiscipline and consequences experienced as a result of indiscipline.
Time frame: 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks
Satisfaction with Yoga or Preparatory and Recovery Drills: Change Over Time
Eleven items developed for this evaluation were used to assess satisfaction with yoga intervention and preparatory and recovery drills.
Time frame: 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks
Unit Cohesion: Change Over Time
A validated three-item measure was used to assess unit cohesion.
Time frame: 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks
Self-Reported Medical Visits: Occurrence Over Time
A single item measure developed for this evaluation was used to assess frequency of medical visits.
Time frame: 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks
Self-Reported Pain: Change Over Time
Three items were developed for this evaluation assessing the frequency of pain, level of pain, and chronicity of pain.
Time frame: 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks
Impact of Injury on Training: Change Over Time
Eight items developed for the present evaluation were used to assess disruption in training due to injury, trainee response to injury, and outcomes associated with experience of injury.
Time frame: 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks
Use of Mindfulness following Training
Twenty-five items were developed for the present evaluation to assess use of mindfulness and attitudes towards mindfulness practice following basic combat training.
Time frame: 6-12 month follow-up
Use of Yoga or Preparatory and Recovery Drills (PRT) following Training
Twenty-three items were developed for the present evaluation to assess use of yoga/PRT drills and attitudes towards yoga/PRT drills following basic combat training.
Time frame: 6-12 month follow-up
Use of Mindfulness and Yoga Resources following Training
Nine items were developed for this evaluation to assess receipt and use of mindfulness and yoga resources following training.
Time frame: 6-12 month follow-up
Use of Mindfulness during Training: Change Over Time
Thirteen items were developed for this evaluation to assess use of MBAT during basic combat training.
Time frame: 3-4 weeks; 9-10 weeks
Perceived Drill Sergeant Support for Mindfulness during Training: Change Over Time
Six items were developed for this evaluation to assess trainees' perception of drill sergeant support for MBAT during basic combat training.
Time frame: 3-4 weeks; 9-10 weeks
Drill Sergeant Leadership: Change Over Time
Nine items were used to assess participants' perceptions of the quality of drill sergeant's leadership and instruction.
Time frame: 3-4 weeks; 9-10 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.