The Effect of Exercise on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Sleep Quality in Individuals Affected by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes

The Effect of Exercise Interventions on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Sleep Quality in Young Individuals Directly Affected by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes in Türkiye: A Randomized Controlled Double-Blind Study

Natural disasters can have adverse impacts on both physical and mental health. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sleep disorders are among the most common problems seen after natural disasters. Exercise may represent a safe, cost-effective, accessible, non-pharmacological method for treating PTSD and sleep problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of exercise interventions on PTSD and sleep quality in young individuals affected by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes in Türkiye.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 18-30
• being directly affected by the earthquake in Mardin
• providing voluntary consent to participating in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• involvement in an existing active regular exercise program
• the presence a physical problem capable of preventing exercise
• the presence of severe psychiatric disorders or cognitive and/or perceptual problems
• regular use of sedative or neuropsychiatric drugs
• active alcohol or drug addiction
• missing assessment parameters
• failure to participate in the intervention programs, or not continuing wıth the study