Mindfulness-based Therapeutic Sailing (MBTS) Versus Standard Recreation Therapy Activity (SRT)

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Mindfulness-based Therapeutic Sailing for Veterans With Psychiatric and/or Substance Use Disorders

This study will be a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Mindfulness-based Therapeutic Sailing (MBTS) versus a standard recreation therapy activity (bowling) among Veterans with psychiatric and/or substance use disorders. The specific aims of this investigation are to determine whether: MBTS will result in greater pre- to post-intervention increases in psychological flexibility and state mindfulness than a standard recreation therapy activity (SRT). MBTS participants will experience greater enjoyment of the activity than SRT participants. MBTS will result in greater pre- to post-intervention increases in positive affect and decreases in anxiety as measured as compared to the SRT participants. MBTS participants will exhibit improved outcomes, as compared to the SRT group, in the 3-month post-intervention period.

It will consist of four hours of sailing and mindfulness training at the Jordanelle Reservoir. Boats and skippers will be provided by Park City Sailing Association, a non-profit community organization.

SRT will occur on four separate occasions during the summer of 2019. SRT will consist of 4 hours of bowling at a community bowling alley.

Mindfulness-based Therapeutic Sailing (MBTS) versus a standard recreation therapy activity, bowling, (SRT).

This study will be a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Mindfulness-based Therapeutic Sailing (MBTS) versus a standard recreation therapy activity (bowling) among Veterans with psychiatric and/or substance use disorders.

We want to determine if MBTS will result in greater pre- to post-intervention increases in psychological flexibility, as measured by the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ2), than a standard recreation therapy activity (SRT). The scale for each question of AAQ2 ranges from 1 to 7. A larger score means a worse outcome-less flexibility.

We want to determine if MBTS will result in greater pre- to post-intervention increases in state mindfulness, as measured by the Toronto Mindfulness Scale (TMS), than a standard recreation therapy activity (SRT). The scale for each question of TMS ranges from 0 to 4. A larger score means a better outcome-greater curiosity or decentering depending on the question.

We want to determine if MBTS will result in greater pre- to post-intervention increases in positive affect, as measured by the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), as compared to the SRT participants. The scale for each question of PANAS ranges from 1 to 5. A larger score indicates a positive or negative effect depending on the question.

We want to determine if MBTS will result in greater pre- to post-intervention decreases in anxiety, as measured by the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), as compared to the SRT participants. The scale for each question of STAI ranges from 1 to 4. A larger score may indicate greater or smaller level of anxiety depending on a question.

We want to determine if MBTS participants will exhibit improved outcomes, as compared to the SRT group, in the 3 month post-intervention period as measured by number of psychiatric hospitalizations.

We want to determine if MBTS participants will exhibit improved outcomes, as compared to the SRT group, in the 3 month post-intervention period as measured by number of ED visits for psychiatric reasons.

We want to determine if MBTS participants will experience greater enjoyment of the activity, as measured by the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES), than SRT participants. The scale for each question of PACES ranges from 1 to 7. A larger score indicates a positive or negative experience with the activity depending on the question.

Inclusion Criteria: At least one psychiatric or substance use disorder At least one Mental Health Service appointment within the previous 12 months Exclusion Criteria: Active psychosis Significant cognitive impairment and/or physical impairment that would preclude participation in the activities Previous participation in a therapeutic sailing intervention offered by the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System.