Physical Activity Intervention for Trauma Afflicted Refugees

Physical Activity Intervention for Trauma Afflicted Refugees

This study evaluates the effects of a 10-session physical activity intervention for trauma afflicted refugees. Half of participants will receive this 10-session physical activity intervention and half of the participants will be allocated to the control group.

Physical activity, particularly when performed in social settings, has been found to constitute an effective stress reliever and has been associated with improved physical and mental well-being, functional capacity and overall life satisfaction, as well as decreased risk of lifestyle diseases in various populations. Physical activity can also revert symptoms of psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, social isolation and dissociation, which is common among trauma afflicted refugees. Many refugees also suffer from PTSD, and so the investigator's aim is to evaluate what effect a 10-session physical activity intervention will have on the mental and physical health of trauma afflicted refugees in a northern European country. The sessions will include physical exercise as well as psychoeducational components, and will be held by a physiotherapist over a period of ten weeks. The physical activity intervention group will be compared to a control-group, who receives two brief lectures on psycho-education in connection to baseline-assessment and follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Arabic/Persian speaking persons.
• Persons with refugee background referred to the Swedish Red Cross Treatment Center for trauma related to war and/or torture.
• Person able to undertake physical activity in a group setting.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current serious suicidal ideation, psychosis, serious cognitive impairments, current substance abuse, acute physical injuries or other health conditions that constrain physical activity.