Scuba Therapy for American Veterans Shown to Benefit Body and Mind

When researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine placed a group of combat-injured veterans in a scuba diving certification program for physical rehabilitation they weren't expecting to see improved mental rehabilitation as well.

The group of veterans who suffered from spinal cord injury participated in a 4-day scuba diving certification program in a study to review sensitivity and response to physical stimulus. While the group saw a significant physical improvement in the ability to feel light touch and pinpricks on previously numb limbs, researchers were even more delighted to notice changes in the veterans' PTSD symptoms.

During the 9-dive course the following were monitored: 

• motor control;
• muscle spasticity;
• sensitivity to light touches or pinpricks;
• depression;
• hostility;
• obsessive-compulsive disorder; and
• PTSD. 

At the end, researchers were encouraged by the rapid decrease in the PTSD symptoms reported by the veterans. The belief is that facing a new challenge like scuba diving gave them an anxious reaction that they were able to overcome, similar to current cognitive response therapy used to treat PTSD. Once the veterans were in the water, the calming environment may have helped reinforce positive feelings after the initial anxiety was over.

The team plans to continue the study of scuba as therapy for veterans, both for spinal cord injury and psychological conditions.

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Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities. Call (877) 617-2170 to find out more about serving those who served our country.