Psychosocial Aspects of Physical Activity Participation for Military Personnel with Illness and Injury: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) is promoted to support the psychosocial recovery of military personnel with illnesses and injuries. The aim of this scoping review was to (1) identify existing research examining the psychosocial aspects of military adapted PA and (2) determine key knowledge gaps. Forty-one articles met inclusion criteria. Around half of the included studies were qualitative (51.21%), with additional studies quantitative (36.59%) or mixed methods (12.20%). Most studies (90.24%) focused on military personnel, with a small number including partners (4.88%) or program staff (4.88%). Therapeutic recreation was the most common type of PA examined. A thematic synthesis of qualitative data identified an emphasis on benefits of PA participation, as well as contextual factors linked to benefits of participation. Quantitative studies also focused on psychosocial outcomes of participation, particularly self-efficacy (n = 11) and quality of life (n = 4). Based on these findings, six knowledge gaps were identified, including a need for longitudinal research, examination of diverse types of PA, consideration of systemic influences, representation of women, examination of diverse psychosocial constructs, and consideration of program implementation. As researchers fill these gaps, we can begin to develop evidence-based PA programing and policy that promotes long-term recovery and psychosocial well-being.

Keywords:

• Disability
• exercise
• military personnel
• nature
• recreational therapy
• social support
• sports
• veterans

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research Wounded Warriors Canada Doctoral Scholarship (CHS), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Doctoral Scholarship (CHS).