Our Cycle-Ogical Approach:
The Science Behind the Benefits of Exercise
What is PTSD and TBI?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is estimated to affect as many as 31% of our veterans. PTSD is an anxiety disorder triggered by witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event and is regarded as a dysfunction of the body's stress-coping system that can often result in serious health effects.
Health effects of PTSD may include, but are not limited to, intrusive memories and flashbacks, emotional numbing, excessive alertness, and startle reactions. Symptoms maybe intermittent or recurring and may vary in severity.
Without Intervention, PTSD increases the chance of a person's likelihood to develop severe depression, substance abuse, tendency towards risky behaviors, and suicidal thoughts (Kim et al., 2016
PTSD is estimated to affect as many as 31% of our veterans. PTSD is an anxiety disorder triggered by witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event and is regarded as a dysfunction of the body's stress-coping system that can often result in serious health effects.
Health effects of PTSD may include, but are not limited to, intrusive memories and flashbacks, emotional numbing, excessive alertness, and startle reactions. Symptoms maybe intermittent or recurring and may vary in severity.
Without Intervention, PTSD increases the chance of a person's likelihood to develop severe depression, substance abuse, tendency towards risky behaviors, and suicidal thoughts (Kim et al., 2016
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI is most often occurs during a single traumatic event, similar to other injuries. Since the brain defines who we are, the consequences of a brain injury can affect all aspects of an individual's life, including:
Each and every TBI is treated as a unique case and our understanding of TBI is evolving as technology and science continue to explore the brain (Cohen, et al., 2009).
TBI is most often occurs during a single traumatic event, similar to other injuries. Since the brain defines who we are, the consequences of a brain injury can affect all aspects of an individual's life, including:
- Personality
- Memory
- Attention and concentration
- Decision-making
- Impulsivity
- Disorientation
- Language and communication abilities
Each and every TBI is treated as a unique case and our understanding of TBI is evolving as technology and science continue to explore the brain (Cohen, et al., 2009).
Benefits of Exercise
Both PTSD and TBI can have a major impact on an individual's health and well-being. Health effects can range from substance abuse to depression, lack of sleep, and anxiety to poor hygiene and nutrition, weight gain, and high blood pressure. There is emerging evidence that exercise can not only help an individual maintain healthy "numbers" and gain confidence through a positive self image, but also that exercise can be a valuable and cost effective therapy for those affected by PTSD and TBI.
Moderate exercise has been found to release mood altering hormones, such as dopamine and endorphins, that can reduce anxiety and lower overall stress levels (Kim et al., 2016). More specifically, repetitive exercises that require mind-body awareness have been correlated to improving symptoms of PTSD and depression, while also improving confidence to complete other daily tasks (Cohen & Shamus, 2009). Moderate intensity, endurance exercise has also been shown to improve the symptoms of PTSD by improving sleep quality for individuals who suffer from hyperarousal and poor sleep quality (Babson et al., 2014).
Moderate exercise has been found to release mood altering hormones, such as dopamine and endorphins, that can reduce anxiety and lower overall stress levels (Kim et al., 2016). More specifically, repetitive exercises that require mind-body awareness have been correlated to improving symptoms of PTSD and depression, while also improving confidence to complete other daily tasks (Cohen & Shamus, 2009). Moderate intensity, endurance exercise has also been shown to improve the symptoms of PTSD by improving sleep quality for individuals who suffer from hyperarousal and poor sleep quality (Babson et al., 2014).
Benefits of Cycling
Cycling is a low-impact, aerobic exercise that is accessible to all age groups, ability levels, and persons with disabilities. Cycling is also an activity that promotes community and is often done in small groups, creating a platform for individuals to share their story and expand their support network. However, symptoms of PTSD and TBI can often result in an individual needing personal time and space for reflection, which can also be provided through the activity of cycling.
Much of the research done on the positive effects of exercise on the impacts of PTSD and TBI have been carried out using cycling as a model due to its accessibility, sustainability, cost effectiveness, and high level of acceptance as a form of exercise and therapy by veterans (Babson et al., 2014).
Much of the research done on the positive effects of exercise on the impacts of PTSD and TBI have been carried out using cycling as a model due to its accessibility, sustainability, cost effectiveness, and high level of acceptance as a form of exercise and therapy by veterans (Babson et al., 2014).