Body- and movement-oriented interventions for prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder among first responders: A scoping review

Objective

First responders are at high risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, body- and movement-oriented interventions (BMOI) emerge as a valuable preventive approach. To assess current knowledge regarding the use of BMOI in the primary and secondary prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among first responders, we conducted a scoping review.

Method

Searches conducted in PubMed, Ebsco, The Cochrane Library and Google Scholar from December 2023 to March 2024 yielded a total of 875 articles. Only studies which sampled first responders without PTSD, investigated BMOI and had a psychometrically standardized outcome measure were included.

Results

After completing the screening process, by following the JBI Scoping Review Methodology, 11 articles published between 2014 and 2023 were included. BMOI identified in the studies include mindfulness exercises, breathing and relaxation techniques, physical exercise and artistic practices. Some studies support a change in the neurophysiological response to stress, especially when BMOI are combined with other practices; relevant outcomes include increased resilience capacity, mental flexibility, body awareness and psychopathological knowledge, or reduced organizational stress and PTSD symptomatology. Other studies also highlight a reduction in the symptoms of comorbid disorders of PTSD such as burnout.

Conclusion

BMOI appear promising for preventing symptoms of PTSD among first responders, but more research is needed to identify which types of intervention are most effective on their own.