title: Physical fitness in people with posttraumatic stress disorder: a systematic review.
abstract: People with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Physical fitness is a key modifiable risk factor for CVD and associated mortality. We reviewed the evidence-base regarding physical fitness in people with PTSD.
  
  
  
  Two independent reviewers searched PubMed, CINAHL, PsycARTICLES, PEDro, and SPORTDiscus from inception until May 2016 using the key words "fitness" OR "exercise" AND "posttraumatic stress disorder" OR "PTSD".
  
  
  
  In total, 5 studies involving 192 (44 female) individuals with PTSD met the inclusion criteria. Lower baseline physical fitness are associated with greater reductions in avoidance and hyperarousal symptoms, as well as with total, physical, and social symptoms of anxiety sensitivity. Rigorous data comparing physical fitness with age- and gender matched general population controls are currently lacking.
  
  
  
  The research field regarding physical fitness in people with PTSD is still in its infancy. Given the established relationships between physical fitness, morbidity and mortality in the general population and the current gaps in the PTSD literature, targets for future research include exploring: (a) whether people with PTSD are at risk of low physical fitness and therefore in need of intensified assessment, treatment and follow-up, (b) the relationships among physical fitness, overall health status, chronic disease risk reduction, disability, and mortality in individuals PTSD, (c) psychometric properties of submaximal physical fitness tests in PTSD, (d) physical fitness changes following physical activity in PTSD, and (e) optimal methods of integrating physical activity programs within current treatment models for PTSD. Implications for Rehabilitation People with PTSD should aim to achieve 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes vigorous physical activity per week while also engaging in resistance training exercises at least twice a week. Health care professionals should assist people with PTSD to overcome barriers to physical activity such as physical pain, loss of energy, lack of interest and motivation, generalized fatigue and feelings of hyperarousal.
authors.affiliation: a KU Leuven , University of Leuven Department of Rehabilitation Sciences , Leuven , Belgium.|b KU Leuven , campus Kortenberg , Kortenberg , Belgium - University of Leuven, UPC KU Leuven , Belgium.
authors.forename: Davy
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vancampfort
authors.affiliation: c Physiotherapy Department , South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust , Denmark Hill , London , UK.|d Health Service and Population Research Department , Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London , De Crespigny Park , London , UK.
authors.forename: Brendon
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Stubbs
authors.affiliation: e School of Public Health, Charles Perkins Center, University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia.
authors.forename: Justin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Richards
authors.affiliation: f School of Psychiatry, UNSW Australia , Sydney , Australia.|g Schizophrenia Research Unit , Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research , Liverpool , NSW , Australia.
authors.forename: Philip B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.affiliation: h Institute of Brain, Behavior and Mental Health , University of Manchester , UK.
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Firth
authors.affiliation: i Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre , Porto Alegre , Brazil.|j Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciências Médicas: Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul , Porto Alegre , Brazil.
authors.forename: Felipe B
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Schuch
authors.affiliation: k Department of Exercise Physiology , School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney , Australia.
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rosenbaum
mesh_terms: D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000523:psychology*; D000067250:Psychiatric Rehabilitation; D012307:Risk Factors; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation
keywords: PTSD; Stress; exercise; physical activity; physical fitness; trauma