Evaluation of Mindfulness and Yoga in Basic Combat Training
- Conditions
- Health, SubjectiveMoodEmotion RegulationMindfulnessAnxietySleepPainLeadershipDepressive SymptomsMilitary Operations
- Interventions
- Behavioral: Mindfulness Based Attention Training (MBAT) and Yoga
- Registration Number
- NCT05550610
- Lead Sponsor
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR)
- Brief Summary
The present study is a group randomized trial assessing the impact of mindfulness and yoga training on the health, performance, and well-being of soldiers in Basic Combat Training (BCT). Randomization occurred at the platoon level, and platoons received either a combined mindfulness and yoga regimen or training as usual.
- Detailed Description
This program evaluation assessed a training initiative developed and implemented by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. Four surveys were conducted with soldiers in all participating platoons over the course of BCT, and two additional surveys were administered with those soldiers in the mindfulness and yoga intervention condition. A follow-up survey was distributed to all participants 6-12 months after BCT. In addition, two surveys were conducted with BCT cadre and drill sergeants. Army data reflecting performance, attrition, and health were also obtained for analysis.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 1896
- U.S. Army soldiers participating in basic combat training from OCT - DEC 2020 at a U.S. Army installation in the southeastern United States.
- None
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description Mindfulness and Yoga Mindfulness Based Attention Training (MBAT) and Yoga Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT) was delivered in 4, 2-hour sessions over 4 weeks. Yoga was delivered 6 days/week, 30 minutes per day.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) Two-Item Version: Change in Scores Over Time 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks; 6-12 month follow-up The PHQ-2 is a validated screening tool for depression. The PHQ-2 included a single item assessing impairment in functioning attributable to reported symptoms.
ICD-10 Musculoskeletal Diagnoses: Occurrence Over Time 0-10 weeks ICD-10 musculoskeletal diagnoses (M group) and associated encounter information drawn from U.S. Army records
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ): Change Over Time 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks The FFMQ is a measure of engagement in mindful awareness.
Drill Sergeant Leadership: Change Over Time 3-4 weeks; 9-10 weeks Nine items were used to assess participants' perceptions of the quality of drill sergeant's leadership and instruction.
Insomnia Severity Index (ISI): Change Over Time 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks The ISI is a validated screening tool for insomnia and sleep-related problems.
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Sleep Quality Item: Change Over Time 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks A single item from the PSQI was used to assess overall sleep quality.
Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15): Change Over Time 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks; 6-12 month follow-up The PHQ-15 is a validated measure of a range of patient health outcomes. Ten items from the PHQ-15 were used to assess physical pain and assorted medical symptoms.
Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA): Change Over Time 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks; 6-12 month follow-up The MAIA is a measure of interoceptive awareness and mindfulness-related constructs. Ten items from the MAIA were used in the present evaluation: Six items assessed the capacity to not self-distract, and four items assessed capacity for self-regulation.
Satisfaction with Yoga or Preparatory and Recovery Drills: Change Over Time 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks Eleven items developed for this evaluation were used to assess satisfaction with yoga intervention and preparatory and recovery drills.
Self-Reported Pain: Change Over Time 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks Three items were developed for this evaluation assessing the frequency of pain, level of pain, and chronicity of pain.
Use of Mindfulness following Training 6-12 month follow-up Twenty-five items were developed for the present evaluation to assess use of mindfulness and attitudes towards mindfulness practice following basic combat training.
Perceived Drill Sergeant Support for Mindfulness during Training: Change Over Time 3-4 weeks; 9-10 weeks Six items were developed for this evaluation to assess trainees' perception of drill sergeant support for MBAT during basic combat training.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Two Item Version: Change Over Time 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks; 6-12 month follow-up The GAD-2 is a validated screening tool for anxiety. The GAD-2 included a single item assessing impairment in functioning attributable to reported symptoms.
Unit Cohesion: Change Over Time 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks A validated three-item measure was used to assess unit cohesion.
Self-Reported Medical Visits: Occurrence Over Time 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks A single item measure developed for this evaluation was used to assess frequency of medical visits.
Use of Mindfulness and Yoga Resources following Training 6-12 month follow-up Nine items were developed for this evaluation to assess receipt and use of mindfulness and yoga resources following training.
Use of Mindfulness during Training: Change Over Time 3-4 weeks; 9-10 weeks Thirteen items were developed for this evaluation to assess use of MBAT during basic combat training.
Mental Toughness Inventory (MTI): Change Over Time 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks; 6-12 month follow-up The MTI is a measure of mental toughness and resilience. Eight items from the MTI were used in the present evaluation: Four items assessed mental toughness during stressful events, and four items assessed mental toughness following stressful events.
Indiscipline: Occurrence Over Time 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks Seven items developed for the current evaluation were used to assess behaviors that reflect indiscipline and consequences experienced as a result of indiscipline.
Attitudes toward Mindfulness Training: Change Over Time 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks Four items developed for the current evaluation were used to assess perceived acceptability and utility of mindfulness training.
Overall Health: Change Over Time 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks; 6-12 month follow-up A single item was used to assess self-rated health.
Impact of Injury on Training: Change Over Time 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks Eight items developed for the present evaluation were used to assess disruption in training due to injury, trainee response to injury, and outcomes associated with experience of injury.
Use of Yoga or Preparatory and Recovery Drills (PRT) following Training 6-12 month follow-up Twenty-three items were developed for the present evaluation to assess use of yoga/PRT drills and attitudes towards yoga/PRT drills following basic combat training.
Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS): Change Over Time 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks; 6-12 month follow-up The DVPRS is a measure of self-reported pain designed for use in military and veteran populations. The DVPRS was adapted for the present study to assess pain-related interference with training, sleep, mood, and stress.
Brief Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS): Change Over Time 0, 3-4, 6-7, and 9-10 weeks; 6-12 month follow-up The Brief DERS is a shortened version of a validated measure assessing ability to manage difficult emotions. Subscales assessed difficulties with emotional awareness, impulse control, and engaging in goal-directed behavior.
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
Fort Jackson
🇺🇸Fort Jackson, South Carolina, United States