Building Connections through Sport and Physical Activity for Ill and Injured Military Members and Veterans: Determining the Optimal Time for Program Involvement

Abstract

Research has shown that physical fitness can benefit individuals with an injury or illness, enhancing their psycho-social health and well-being. The Soldier On program supports Canadian Armed Forces personnel and veterans in overcoming their physical and mental health injuries through promotion of physical activity and sport. Using a qualitative research design, a key question was investigated: are there optimal time points during which ill/injured military members and veterans have higher levels of readiness that would facilitate maximum benefit from program involvement? Semi-structured, in-person interviews were conducted with participants (n = 75) at Soldier On events across Canada. Results suggest there may be critical points following the onset of a significant injury/illness where event participation has the potential to enhance the positive impacts. For service members, this was identified to be following the official medical release decision and duration leading up to their transition out of the military. For veterans, it was found to be only after there was sufficient time post-release to allow for the full reintegration into civilian life. Findings suggest that when considering enrollment of military members and veterans into physical and sport therapy programs, it is important to tailor programs to these critical time periods for each individual.

Keywords:

• Injury
• social support
• veterans
• well-being
• programs (exercise)
• transition
• mental health
• physical health

Notes

1 The principle of universality of service or "soldier first" principle holds that CAF members are liable to perform general military duties and common defence and security duties, not just the duties of their military occupation or occupational specification. This may include, but is not limited to, the requirement to be physically fit, employable and deployable for general operational duties (Department of National Defence, DAOD 5023-0).

2 Department of National Defence, CAF – Medical Release Process (https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/transition/scan/medical-scan/caf-mrp.html).