Efeitos do exercício físico em militares diagnosticados com Transtorno de Estresse Pós Traumático (TEPT): uma revisão narrativa de literatura

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder developed by people who have suffered or witnessed a traumatic event. Military personnel, constantly in combat, are subject to a greater probability of exposure to these events and of occurrence of PTSD when compared to the civilian population. Treatment for the disorder can be pharmacological or through therapies. Treatment can still be associated with physical exercise which, proven by previous studies, directly contributes to the mental health of everyone who practices it. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed, through a literature review, what effects physical exercises can have on soldiers diagnosed with PTSD, in view of the military culture of constant physical exercise to maintain readiness. METHOD: A narrative review, searching PubMed, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases in May 2022. The descriptors “military”, “PTSD” and “exercises” were used, as well as their respective synonyms. There was no language filter or time limit for the search. RESULTS: A total of two hundred and forty-three articles were identified after an electronic data search. After screening citations, two hundred and thirty-eight were excluded. This exclusion occurred when it was observed that the articles did not meet the eligibility criteria: works that related physical exercise and its effects on soldiers diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Articles published in the last two years were considered. Five studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. CONCLUSION: according to the studies analyzed in this review, we can conclude a direct relationship between physical exercise and the reduction of symptoms and soldiers diagnosed with PTSD. Treatments for PTSD, pharmacological and/or therapeutic, must be aligned with the physical activity that is already inherent in the military's life in order to enhance the military's recovery. More studies are needed regarding the type, volume and intensity of physical exercises to be implemented and whether they should be done in a group or individually.