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Developing physically and psychologically safe exercise spaces: Insights from women veterans on trauma-informed
Michelle M Pebole1, Dylan Katz2, Catherine B Fortier3
1Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders National Network Center, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Psychology of Sport and Exercise
|August 15, 2025
Summary
Women veterans desire exercise programs tailored to their needs, emphasizing trauma-informed approaches. Key barriers include low motivation and time, while mental health and social connection are strong motivators for physical activity.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Exercise Science
- Trauma-Informed Care
Background:
- Exercise offers significant physical and mental health benefits.
- Women veterans (WVs) encounter unique barriers to consistent physical activity.
- Trauma-informed practices, incorporating lived experiences, can mitigate these barriers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore exercise preferences and perceptions among women veterans.
- To inform the development of trauma-informed exercise interventions for WVs.
- To identify specific barriers and facilitators influencing WVs' exercise engagement.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods pilot study involving surveys and qualitative interviews with WVs.
- Participants were recruited from a longitudinal cohort study.
- Data analysis included thematic analysis of interviews and descriptive statistics of survey responses.
Main Results:
- Twelve WVs (mean age 47.7) expressed interest in tailored exercise programs.
- Preferred programs were home-based, moderately intense, with group supervision, and social connection with other WVs.
- Key barriers included low motivation, time constraints, feeling unsafe, and poor mental health; motivators were improved mental/physical health and social connection.
Conclusions:
- Women veterans are receptive to exercise programs specifically designed for their needs.
- Incorporating trauma-informed principles and addressing identified barriers is crucial for effective interventions.
- Findings will guide the development of localized, trauma-informed exercise programs for WVs and inform future research.
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