Comorbidity of depression and PTSD: outcomes from a randomized controlled trial of surf and hike therapies

Otis et al., 2024

TLDR: Surfing and hiking both improve PTSD and depression symptoms, regardless of whether an individual has one or both disorders. These interventions are therefore acceptable for singular disorder and PTSD+depression groups.

Gender differences in psychological outcomes following surf versus hike therapy

Glassman, Otis, et al., 2024

TLDR: Both men and women benefit from adjunctive surf and hike therapies, but women exhibit a better response in terms of depression, anxiety, and positive affect in surf and hike sessions.

A randomized controlled trial of surf and hike therapy for U.S. active duty service members with major depressive disorder

Walter, Otis, et al., 2023

TLDR: Both surfing and hiking reduce symptoms of depression, and are effective adjunctive interventions for individuals with major depressive disorder.

Psychological and functional outcomes following a randomized controlled trial of surf and hike therapy

Walter, Otis, et al., 2023

TLDR: Surfing and hiking both improve anxiety, negative affect, and social functioning in those with depression. However, surfing improves positive affect within a session more than hiking.

The effectiveness of the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic for veterans with probable PTSD

Walter, Otis, et al., 2023

TLDR: Veterans with and without PTSD can benefit from participation in the week-long sports clinic—both groups improved depression, anxiety, positive affect, negative affect, or insomnia. However, these gains were lost by 3 months, suggesting that regular engagement in recreational and adaptive sports is needed to sustain mental health improvements.

The National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic: change and duration of psychological outcomes

Walter, Otis, et al., 2021

TLDR: A week-long summer sports clinic can improve depression, anxiety, positive affect, negative affect, and social functioning in the short- and medium-term for veterans. All activities (archery, kayaking, surfing, cycling, sailing) produced significant change. However, changes are not maintained long-term, suggesting the need for continued engagement in sport for mental health benefits.

Effects of PTSD and MDD comorbidity on psychological changes during surf therapy sessions for active duty service members

Otis et al., 2021

TLDR: Surfing improves symptoms of depression more for those with PTSD+depression compared to those with just one disorder.

Breaking the surface: psychological outcomes of among active duty service members following a surf therapy program

Walter, Otis, et al., 2019

TLDR: Surfing produces improvements in depression, anxiety, positive affect, and negative affect. Continued utilization (greater than once/week) of surfing is needed to maintain benefits.

A comparison of gender differences in psychological outcomes following surf therapy

Glassman, Otis, et al., 2021

TLDR: Both men and women benefit from adjunctive surf therapy, but women exhibit a better response in terms of depression, anxiety, and positive affect following surf sessions.