DEFENCE COMMUNITY RESEARCH REGISTER
Why THE Research Register Matters for THE DEFENCE COMMUNITY
The Research Register brings together trusted insights, data and examples of best practice to demonstrate how sport and recreation can transform lives. This evidence base explores the many ways sport supports veteran wellbeing, from mental and physical health to identity, purpose and connection.
By sharing this knowledge, we empower informed decisions across the veteran and sport ecosystem. Whether you’re a policymaker, researcher, or community leader, this resource will helps you understand the impact that sport can play on participation, engagement, structure and recovery.
Please note that while much research is publicly available, some studies may require subscription access.
Explore Research by Theme
Click through below to see a compilation of veteran specific research that talks to the value of sport for the defence community across 11 core themes:
- MENTAL HEALTH
- PHYSICAL HEALTH
- SOCIAL SUPPORT AND CONNECTION
- SELF EFFICACY AND SELF AGENCY
- POSITIVE AFFECT
- RELEASE OF AGGRESSION
- IDENTITY AND PURPOSE
- STRUCTURE AND ROUTINE
- EMPLOYMENT
- MAINTAINING AND STRENGTHENING FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
- HELP SEEKING SUPPORT, PSYCHOEDUCATION AND STIGMA
Research spotlight
Below are 11 highlight pieces from our research register, each offering a unique lens into how sport and physical activity impact veterans and their families. Explore these areas to gain insight into the evidence base shaping our programs, advocacy, and community initiatives.
MENTAL
HEALTH
What are the physical and mental wellbeing benefits veterans achieve through participating in sporting activities? A Rapid Evidence Assessment.
A review of 27 studies FINDING “promising” evidence for mental health benefits across various sporting formats
PHYSICAL
HEALTH
The Contribution of Sport in the Rehabilitation Process of Disabled Military Veterans: A Case Study of the 2016 Invictus Games.
Highlights how sport fosters physical recovery, identity reconstruction, and social reintegration among disabled veterans.
SOCIAL SUPPORT AND CONNECTION
Transition from military to civilian: Identity, social connectedness, and veteran wellbeing.
Explores the psychological and social challenges faced by Australian veterans during their transition to civilian life.
POSITIVE
AFFECT
The impact of sport and physical activity on the wellbeing of combat veterans: A systematic review
HOW Sport and physical activity improve combat veterans’ wellbeing through active coping, PTSD symptom reduction, positive affect, and nature-based engagement.
RELEASE OF AGGRESSION
Problem anger in veterans and military personnel: Prevalence, predictors, and associated harms of suicide and violence.
A study of 12,800+ Australian military personnel highlights problem anger as a key risk factor for suicide and violence, calling for better assessment, training and interventions.
VIEW REPORTIDENTITY AND PURPOSE
Purpose after service through sport: A social identity-informed program to support military veteran wellbeing.
Evaluates Canada’s Purpose After Service through Sport program, with sport-based, identity-informed support helping veterans transition to civilian life and improve wellbeing.
VIEW REPORTSTRUCTURE AND ROUTINE
The physical, psychological, and social impacts of participation in the Invictus Pathways Program: A qualitative analysis of veterans’ perceptions and experiences.
Examines veterans’ experiences in the Invictus Pathways Program, finding it a transformative, sport-based recovery experience, particularly for those new to competitive sport.
VIEW REPORT
EMPLOYMENT
Perception of Employment by the Veterans Participating in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games: A Survey Study.
Finds that participation in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games positively influenced employment for half of respondents
MAINTAINING & STRENGTHEING FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
I AM FAMILY: Understanding the adapted sport experiences of family members of military personnel with physical and psychological illnesses and injuries through the lens of the Invictus Games.
Examined the experiences of 21 family members of Invictus Games Toronto 2017 competitors, highlighting how adapted sport events can support both veterans and their families.
VIEW REPORTHELP SEEKING SUPPORT, PSYCHOEDUCTATION AND STIGMA
Outcomes of adaptive sports and recreation participation among veterans returning from combat with acquired disability.
Evaluated the impact of adaptive sports and recreation programs on 18 veterans from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
SELF EFFICACY AND SELF AGENCY
More important than winning: A retrospective online research survey evaluating the effects of participating in an adaptive sports program for wounded, injured and ill ADF veterans.
Assesses the impact of the Australian Defence Force Adaptive Sports Program on 60 veterans.
Ever wondered how Team Australia stays active after international events like the Invictus Games?
While every journey looks different, many alumni continue to turn to sport as part of their recovery. That might mean getting involved as an athlete, giving back through coaching or officiating, or staying connected as a supporter.
The four alumni featured here show that staying active doesn’t follow a single path, but connection through sport remains a powerful constant.
Read more about their stories via the link in bio.
We’d love to hear from you. How do you connect through sport? Share your story in the comments below.
Congratulations to Team Veteran, established by Invictus Australia, who took on the Adelaide Epic Ride as part of the Santos @tourdownunder.
Thirteen Team Veteran riders, including Invictus Games alumni Colleen Swifte and Shaun Hillman, powered through challenging conditions to show what’s possible when veterans and families come together through sport. The riders were a mix of current and former serving veterans and family members from South Australia, Queensland and Victoria.
The effort on the road, and the watch party waiting at the finish line, showed a powerful display of community, determination and shared purpose. We’re proud of every rider who took part.
Special thanks to @weareinvictusgames for funding this opportunity for those part of the wounded, injured or ill veteran community.
We are calling it, pickleball is the sport of the summer.
Over the past couple of months, we have seen pickleball bring members of the defence community together on courts around the country.
Why do people love it?
Because it’s easy to learn, welcoming to all ages and abilities, and just as much about connection as it is competition. Pickleball creates space to move build confidence and reconnect.
It’s inclusive, social and genuinely fun, and when you see the way it brings people of all abilities together, it is clear to see why it will be included at the Invictus Games @birmingham_2027.
Find out how to get involved by joining your local Facebook group (in bi0)