Trial of Surf and Hike Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Major Depressive Disorder
• Interventions: Behavioral: Physical Activity-based Interventions

• Registration Number: NCT03302611
• Lead Sponsor: United States Naval Medical Center, San Diego

Brief Summary

This study uses a randomized controlled trial design to compare the psychological effects of surf therapy to hike therapy in active duty service members who have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder.

Detailed Description

This prospective, longitudinal randomized controlled trial will enroll up to 86 active duty service members with major depressive disorder who are seeking surf or hike therapy as part of their standard medical care. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive 6 weeks of either surf or hike therapy. Assessor-administered and self-report measures will be completed at pre- and post-program, as well as three months following program completion. Participants also will complete brief, self-report assessments before and after each program activity session.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2017-10-02
• Study First Submitted QC: 2017-10-04
• Study First Posted: 2017-10-05
• Study Start: 2018-01-01
• Primary Completion: 2020-09-01
• Study Completion: 2020-09-01
• Status Verified: 2024-11
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-11-13
• Last Update Posted: 2024-11-15

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 110

Inclusion Criteria

• Be a military service member seeking surf or hike therapy as part of the Wounded, Ill, and Injured Wellness program at Naval Medical Center San Diego;
• Have medical clearance to participate in these programs;
• Have a current diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder based on DSM-5 criteria.

Exclusion Criteria

• Service members who are currently receiving surf or hike therapy (i.e., have already started attending program sessions);
• Service members who are currently pregnant

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Hike Therapy	Physical Activity-based Interventions	Participants receive a physical activity-based intervention, which in this arm is hike therapy. During hike therapy, service members may hike together or at a self-selected pace.
Surf Therapy	Physical Activity-based Interventions	Participants receive a physical activity-based intervention, which in this arm is surf therapy. Each service member is paired with a surf instructor who typically works with them each week for the length of the program.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)	5 months	The MADRS is a widely used, semi-structured, clinical-interview assessment of depression symptom severity that is intended to be sensitive to change following an intervention.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
PTSD Checklist (PCL-5)	5 months	The PCL-5 is a self-report instrument assessing PTSD symptom severity.
Positive and Negative Affect scales (PANAS)	5 months	PANAS is a self-report instrument that measures the extent of 20 feelings and emotions experienced within the past few hours.
Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)	5 months	The ISI is a 7-item self-report measure that assesses the nature, severity, and impact of insomnia.
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)	5 months	The PHQ-9 is a self-report instrument that assesses the presence and severity
Short Form Health Survey - 36 Item, Version 2 (SF-36)	5 months	The SF-36 is a widely used questionnaire that assesses functioning physical and mental health based on eight summary measures.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7)	5 months	The GAD-7 is a self-report instrument that assesses the presence and severity of generalized anxiety disorder.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Naval Medical Center San Diego; 🇺🇸 San Diego, California, United States