PTSD is negatively associated with physical performance and physicalfunction in older overweight military Veterans

摘要

This study examines the effect of posttraumatic stressdisorder (PTSD) on function and physical performance in olderoverweight military Veterans with comorbid conditions. This is asecondary data analysis of older Veterans (mean age = 62.9 yr) participatingin a physical activity counseling trial. Study participantswith PTSD (n = 67) and without PTSD (n = 235) were identified.Selfreported physical function (36item Short Form Health Survey)and directly measured physical performance (mobility, aerobicendurance, strength) were assessed. Multivariate analyses ofvariance controlling for demographic factors and psychiatric disordersdemonstrated significant physical impairment among thosewith PTSD. PTSD was negatively associated with selfreportedphysical function, functioning in daily activities, and general health(p < 0.01). Those with PTSD also performed significantly worseon tests of lowerlimb function (p < 0.05). Despite being significantlyyounger, Veterans with PTSD had comparable scores ongait speed, aerobic endurance, grip strength, and bodily pain comparedwith Veterans without PTSD. This study provides preliminarydata for the negative association between PTSD and physicalfunction in older military Veterans. These data highlight the importanceof ongoing monitoring of physical performance amongreturning Veterans with PTSD and intervening in older overweightVeterans with PTSD, whose physical performance scores areindicative of accelerated risk of premature functional aging.