This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of a breathing-based meditation intervention called Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) for Canadian Military and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We will study effectiveness with a randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of the virtually delivered SKY (v-SKY) to a waitlist control with changes in PTSD symptoms as the primary outcome. Several health-related outcomes will also be evaluated including quality of life, and depressive, anxiety, and pain symptoms. 

We will evaluate implementation in parallel by studying the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of the intervention amongst Veterans participants, SKY instructors, health professionals and administrators that work with Veterans. 

This research will help inform on the efficacy of SKY, a mind-body intervention delivered virtually as a treatment for PTSD among the Canadian Veteran population. Results from this study will also contribute to understanding the implementation of SKY at an individual and organization level, and its sustainability long-term.