Developing physically and psychologically safe exercise spaces: Insights from women veterans on trauma-informed exercise interventions.

Pebole MM, Katz D, Fortier CB, Iverson KM, Darroch F, Hall KS, Dennard AD, McKeon G, Rooney M, Teychenne M, Whitworth JW. Developing physically and psychologically safe exercise spaces: Insights from women veterans on trauma-informed exercise interventions. Psychology of sport and exercise. 2025 Nov 1; 81:102969, DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2025.102969.

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Abstract:

Exercise benefits both physical and mental health. However, women veterans (WVs) face unique barriers to exercise which may be mitigated by trauma-informed practices such as incorporating lived experience into program development. This study engaged WVs to identify their exercise preferences and perceptions, aiming to inform future development of trauma-informed exercise interventions. WVs enrolled in a longitudinal cohort study were invited to participate in this mixed-methods pilot study, which included a survey and qualitative interview to explore exercise preferences, barriers, and facilitators. Twelve WVs (mean age  =  47.7 years; 58.3 % white; 58.3 % lifetime PTSD; 33.3 % lifetime TBI) completed the survey and interview. All WVs were interested in an exercise program tailored to their needs. Exercise preferences were mixed, with preferences for home-based (n  =  8, 67 %), group supervision (n  =  7, 58 %), moderate-intensity (n  =  9, 75 %) programs that take place with other WVs. Endorsed exercise types included walking (n  =  10, 83 %), weight training (n  =  9, 75 %), and yoga (n  =  9, 75 %). Strongest barriers to exercise were low motivation (n  =  7, 58 %) and time constraints (n  =  5, 42 %), and strongest motivators were promoting mental health (n  =  10, 83 %), preventing disease (n  =  9, 75 %), and improving or maintaining physical fitness (n  =  9, 75 %). Interviews highlighted the prevalence of sexual and partner violence throughout WVs lives and their impact on exercise engagement. Thematic analyses identified barriers (feeling unsafe in gyms, poor mental health, lack of tailored programs, and pain) and facilitators (promoting physical and mental health, structure and accountability, social connection with other WVs). Findings indicate that WVs are interested in exercise programs tailored to their needs. These results are being used to guide the local development of trauma-informed exercise programs for WVs and highlight directions for future research.