Surfing turns tide for suffering soldiers

WASHINGTON — A research program conducted by the United States Navy has found that surfing can help ease mental health issues suffered by active-duty military personnel.

Having analyzed questionnaires answered by service members before, during and after a program of surfing for one day a week for six weeks, researchers said the initial results of the study indicated that the activity alleviated insomnia and anxiety and resulted in a decline in the overall negative attitude toward life, along with symptoms of depression.

Launched last year, the $1 million project seeks to determine whether surfing can be applied to people in uniform as therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and sleep problems, according to a report by The Washington Post on Saturday.

The Post cited researchers as saying that the first group of 14 active-duty Marines and sailors invited to the six-week program all showed signs of depression.

While continuing to track the participants to see whether improvements in their mental health can be sustainained, the study also plans to test the hypothesis that surfing is a better alternative to hiking, which is also considered beneficial in helping soldiers adapt to normal life after combat duties.

In doing so, the project will also take some of its patients on hikes, and when the whole study is complete after three years, there will be 118 participants in surfing groups and 43 in hiking groups, the Post reported.

Increase in cases

According to a 2013 study by the Congressional Research Service, mental health problems in the US military increased by 65 percent between 2001 and 2011, a period which saw US troops engage in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq following the Sept 11 terrorist attacks in 2001.

Cases of PTSD increased by 650 percent during that decade, and at least 900,000 individuals were diagnosed with at least one form of mental disorder, the study found.

The Navy study’s discovery, however, appears to be nothing new to physicians who believe in the therapeutic effect of surfing.

They are optimistic that the study will provide scientific evidence that can be used to raise awareness of mental health issues.