Evaluation of Mindfulness and Yoga in Basic Combat Training

The present study is a group randomized trial assessing the impact of mindfulness and yoga training on the health, performance, and well-being of soldiers in Basic Combat Training (BCT). Randomization occurred at the platoon level, and platoons received either a combined mindfulness and yoga regimen or training as usual.

This program evaluation assessed a training initiative developed and implemented by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. Four surveys were conducted with soldiers in all participating platoons over the course of BCT, and two additional surveys were administered with those soldiers in the mindfulness and yoga intervention condition. A follow-up survey was distributed to all participants 6-12 months after BCT. In addition, two surveys were conducted with BCT cadre and drill sergeants. Army data reflecting performance, attrition, and health were also obtained for analysis.

Depressive Symptoms, Anxiety, Sleep, Emotion Regulation, Pain, Military Operations, Cohesion, Social, Mindfulness, Yoga, Leadership, Health, Subjective, Stress, Mood, Musculoskeletal Injury

All participants were aware whether they were assigned to receive mindfulness and yoga or training as usual.

Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT) was delivered in 4, 2-hour sessions over 4 weeks. Yoga was delivered 6 days/week, 30 minutes per day.

Training as usual included standard exercises 30 minutes per day during warm-up (15 min) and cool-down (15 min) as part of Army physical readiness training.

Mindfulness-Based Attention Training (MBAT) was delivered in 4, 2-hour sessions over 4 weeks. Participants also completed 15 minutes of group mindfulness practice 6 days/week and received information on embedded practice during the duty day. Yoga was delivered 6 days/week, 30 minutes per day during warm-up (15 min) and cool-down (15 min) as part of Army physical readiness training.

The PHQ-2 is a validated screening tool for depression. The PHQ-2 included a single item assessing impairment in functioning attributable to reported symptoms.

ICD-10 musculoskeletal diagnoses (M group) and associated encounter information drawn from U.S. Army records

The GAD-2 is a validated screening tool for anxiety. The GAD-2 included a single item assessing impairment in functioning attributable to reported symptoms.

The DVPRS is a measure of self-reported pain designed for use in military and veteran populations. The DVPRS was adapted for the present study to assess pain-related interference with training, sleep, mood, and stress.

The PHQ-15 is a validated measure of a range of patient health outcomes. Ten items from the PHQ-15 were used to assess physical pain and assorted medical symptoms.

The MTI is a measure of mental toughness and resilience. Eight items from the MTI were used in the present evaluation: Four items assessed mental toughness during stressful events, and four items assessed mental toughness following stressful events.

The MAIA is a measure of interoceptive awareness and mindfulness-related constructs. Ten items from the MAIA were used in the present evaluation: Six items assessed the capacity to not self-distract, and four items assessed capacity for self-regulation.

The Brief DERS is a shortened version of a validated measure assessing ability to manage difficult emotions. Subscales assessed difficulties with emotional awareness, impulse control, and engaging in goal-directed behavior.

Four items developed for the current evaluation were used to assess perceived acceptability and utility of mindfulness training.

Seven items developed for the current evaluation were used to assess behaviors that reflect indiscipline and consequences experienced as a result of indiscipline.

Eleven items developed for this evaluation were used to assess satisfaction with yoga intervention and preparatory and recovery drills.

Three items were developed for this evaluation assessing the frequency of pain, level of pain, and chronicity of pain.

Eight items developed for the present evaluation were used to assess disruption in training due to injury, trainee response to injury, and outcomes associated with experience of injury.

Twenty-five items were developed for the present evaluation to assess use of mindfulness and attitudes towards mindfulness practice following basic combat training.

Twenty-three items were developed for the present evaluation to assess use of yoga/PRT drills and attitudes towards yoga/PRT drills following basic combat training.

Nine items were developed for this evaluation to assess receipt and use of mindfulness and yoga resources following training.

Thirteen items were developed for this evaluation to assess use of MBAT during basic combat training.

Six items were developed for this evaluation to assess trainees' perception of drill sergeant support for MBAT during basic combat training.

Nine items were used to assess participants' perceptions of the quality of drill sergeant's leadership and instruction.

Inclusion Criteria: U.S. Army soldiers participating in basic combat training from OCT - DEC 2020 at a U.S. Army installation in the southeastern United States. Exclusion Criteria: None

Data are available for research upon reasonable request and completion of institute-related agreements.

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