Physical activity intervention for trauma-afflicted refugees

Refugees with prolonged and repeated experiences of trauma, are subjected to high levels of stress-related health problems, e.g. post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and increased risks of lifestyle diseases.

Regular physical activity (PA) is associated with improved physical and mental well-being, less health problems, and lower risk of lifestyle diseases.

However, people with PTSD have previously been shown to be much less likely to engage in physical and social activities.The overall project aim is to provide an evidence-base for the efficacy of PA interventions among trauma-afflicted refugees.

The present study aims to assess and evaluate the efficacy of a PA group-based intervention on symptoms of PTSD, emotional distress and general health and well-being among trauma-afflicted refugees. A Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) design with waitlist control group are used.

The group intervention takes place at The Swedish Red Cross Treatment Centre for Persons Affected by War and Torture (RCC) and consists of 10 2-hour sessions over a period of 10 weeks, including PA home assignments and behavioral support to increase daily life PA.

Altogether the intervention will consist of approximately 10 groups of 7–8 participants each.The study is ongoing and at present 57 participants have been included (n=29 intervention; n=28 control condition).

To provide adequate statistical power (1-β=0.8, p=0.05, n=128), inclusion of participants will continue until the end of 2021.

Previously, a focus group study about trauma-afflicted refugees’ experiences of participating in PA and exercise treatment has been concluded and published within this project [1].

The results of the focus group study have contributed to the content of the intervention and addition of appropriate patient-reported-measures for intervention valuation.The project is a collaboration between the RCC, The Swedish Red Cross Care Unit, The Swedish Red Cross University College, and Karolinska Institutet.