What does research tell us about the outcomes of Adventure programs? In last season’s newsletter, we learned what types of clinical concerns Adventure Programs had the most significant impact on, specifically focusing on teenagers and axis I, II & IV of the DSM IV (Clark et al. 2004). We take another look at this question in this season's newsletter and scratch the surface of how physical activity positively impacts youth.

 

Adventure programs are physical in nature and many programs closely parallel the benefits of aerobic exercise. Take for instance the series of bicycling programs offered by Encompass, which include rides from 5 to 25 miles and some very strenuous mountain biking courses. All of which increase the participants heart rate for prolonged periods, an important measure of individual physical effort. But the benefits go beyond our physical health and into our mental health. In general, moderate forms of aerobic exercise have been shown to have significant positive impacts on our mood, focus, cognitive ability and many other facets (Ratey 2008). In one study, the impact of a 12-week aerobic exercise program on post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression was assessed. The study measured significant reductions in PTSD, anxiety and depression after exercising and the benefits were maintained through the one month follow-up (Manger & Motta 2005). These experiences with exercise also had a positive affect on an individual’s self-efficacy. Several studies observed that self-efficacy improved following an adventure experience (Brody et al 1988) and this increase was maintained through the 1 year follow-up (Koelser 1994).