Virtually Delivered Breathing-Based Meditation for Canadian Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Research Study

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Who we are
We are researchers at Sinai Health System and the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families (formerly the Centre of Excellence on PTSD). We are studying breathing based meditation for Canadian veterans with PTSD.
What our study is about
This study will investigate the effectiveness and implementation of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY), a form of breathing-based meditation that may help Canadian veterans with PTSD

Who we are looking for
We are looking for people to participate in this study who:
– Are bothered by past trauma
– Are veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces and/or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police
– Are 18 years of age or older
– Are able to participate in a 6-week meditation program, delivered through video calls, and attend all follow-up sessions

What you will gain
Free training in Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (detailed below) which may help with symptoms of PTSD.

The Treatment Program
Joining the study would involve being randomly assigned to one of the two timelines for receiving the Sudarshan Kriya Yoga program. There is a 50/50 chance of being enrolled in either timeline.
– For one timeline, you will be in a cohort that learns the SKY program shortly after beginning the study and complete the 6-week program.
– For the other timeline, you will be in a cohort that learns the 6-week SKY program after the first cohort completes their 6-week program.
The program will be conducted in small groups of 8-12 people, and daily home practice instructions will be provided.

What is required
This study will take place online through video calls at flexible times throughout the week.
Participation requires attending five, 3-hour sessions in the first week of the study and two, 1-hour follow-up sessions per week for 5 straight weeks (6 weeks total).

You will also be asked to attend two 1-hour appointments before and after the 6-week SKY program. You will also be asked to attend three 45-minute appointments after the SKY program is complete, one 6-weeks after, 12-weeks after and another 30 weeks after the first appointment.

Will this affect my care?
This study will not ask you to change any medications that you may be taking. To join this study, you will be asked to not begin any formal psychotherapy program (e.g. CBT) during the program. This includes the first 12 weeks of the study period.

What we will do with the information we collect
All information collected from you will be kept confidential and stored securely. We will assign a unique ID number to you and will use this number on all data collection forms. This means that information you give us will be kept confidential and no one will be able to identify you.

Findings from this study
Will help several organizations that work for Canadian veterans understand how the SKY program can help benefit their clients and members. Results from this study will also be used to further the field of research and help support future programming and treatment planning for veterans across the country.

Connect
If you are interested in participating in our study, please call 647-804-6121 or e-mail us at [email protected]. If you are wondering whether you might be eligible for this study, please complete the following surveys and leave your contact information:

Participating Researchers: