Effect of trauma type and trauma burden on self-efficacy for physical exercise in military veterans

Abstract

Introduction United States (U.S.) military veterans experience significant physical health problems. Lifestyle modifications, such as increasing daily physical activity, are often considered the first course of action in treatment for the general public. However, veterans report low levels of physical activity, often due to perceived barriers to engaging in exercise. Trauma exposure type and cumulative trauma burden may be differentially associated with exercise attitudes and behaviors. Methods We surveyed U.S. military veterans on perceived self-efficacy to overcome barriers to engaging in exercise and physical activity levels. Additionally, we explored the relationship between the type of traumatic event exposure and cumulative trauma on these constructs. Results Veterans exposed to sexually aggressive traumatic events (vs. did not) reported significantly lower physical activity levels; no difference in perceived self-efficacy to overcome barriers to exercise existed between groups. Greater cumulative trauma was associated with lower physical activity and self-efficacy to engage in exercise. Conclusion These novel results indicate that both trauma type and cumulative trauma burden should be considered when designing exercise interventions for military veterans.