Physical Health, Explore the Full Register of Veteran Specific Research

Physical health is a cornerstone of overall wellbeing for veterans. Maintaining strength, mobility and fitness not only supports recovery from service-related injuries but also reduces the risk of chronic conditions and improves mental health outcomes. Research in this area helps us understand the unique challenges veterans face, such as musculoskeletal injuries, pain management and long-term rehabilitation and informs programs that promote active lifestyles and sustainable health practices.

This resource brings together available studies focused on veteran physical health. It’s designed to help researchers, policymakers and the veteran community access reliable information that supports wellbeing, recovery and systemic change. Please note that while much research is publicly available, some studies may require subscription access.

Explore the register below to find data about physical health, if you’d like to explore another topic, you can do so here.

Title: The health and wellbeing needs of veterans: a rapid review.  
Author/Source: Oster, C., et al.,BMC Psychiatry, 2017. 17(1): p. 414.  
Summary: Explores the multifaceted health and wellbeing needs of veterans. It highlights the complex interplay between physical, mental, and social health domains, influenced by demographic and service-related factors. Emphasises the importance of integrated, holistic care tailored to the unique challenges veterans face during and after transition to civilian life and calls for responsive service provision to inform future policy and program development.

Title: Mental Health Prevalence, Mental Health Prevalence and Wellbeing Transition Study. 2018: Canberra.
Author/Source: Kelsall, H., Sim, M., Van Hooff, M., Lawrence-Wood, E., Benassi, H., Sadler, N., Hodson, S., Hansen, C., Avery, J., Searle, A., Ighani, H., Iannos, M., Abraham, M., Baur, J., Saccone, E., McFarlane, A.
Summary: Provides a detailed assessment of the physical health status of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members transitioning to civilian life. Highlights that transitioned personnel experience elevated rates of physical health conditions compared to their actively serving counterparts, including musculoskeletal issues, chronic pain, and lifestyle-related diseases.

Title: Addressing Posttraumatic Stress Among Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans and Their Significant Others: An Intervention Utilizing Sport and Recreation.
Author/Source: Bennett, J.L., 2010, Brigham Young University: United States — Utah. p. 121. 
Summary: Explored the use of sport and recreation to support Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their significant others in managing PTSD. It found that structured recreational activities fostered emotional regulation, strengthened relationships, and improved coping mechanisms. The program demonstrated that sport-based interventions can be effective adjuncts to traditional therapies, particularly in enhancing social support and reducing isolation.

Title: Physical activity for health.
Author/Source: Dhuli, K., et al.,   J Prev Med Hyg, 2022. 63(2 Suppl 3): p. E150-E159
Summary: Outlines the broad health benefits of physical activity, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and enhanced mental wellbeing. It emphasises that regular physical activity is essential for maintaining functional capacity and quality of life, particularly in populations with elevated health risks such as veterans. The findings support the integration of physical activity into veteran rehabilitation and wellbeing programs.

Title: What are the physical and mental wellbeing benefits veterans achieve through participating in sporting activities? A Rapid Evidence Assessment.
Author/Source: Milanese, S., et al., Technical Report prepared for the Australian Government Department of Veterans’ Affairs. 2018.
Summary: Reviewed 27 studies and found “promising” evidence that sport improves veterans’ mental wellbeing—reducing PTSD and depression symptoms, enhancing social connection, and boosting self-esteem. The report recommends sport as a supplement to mental health programs and calls for more rigorous research to validate its therapeutic potential. 

Title: Psychosocial impact of participation in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and Winter Sports Clinic.
Author/Source: Sporner, M.L., et al., Disability and Rehabilitation, 2009. 31(5): p. 410-418.
Summary: Found that participation in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and Winter Sports Clinic led to improved mobility, endurance, and acceptance of disability among veterans. Over 70% reported enhanced personal relationships and communication skills. The findings underscore the psychosocial benefits of adaptive sports in veteran rehabilitation.

Title: The Contribution of Sport in the Rehabilitation Process of Disabled Military Veterans: A Case Study of the 2016 Invictus Games.
Author/Source: Brittain, I., K. Bunds, and J. Bocarro,
Journal of Global Sport Management, 2024. 9(1): p. 62-85.
Summary: Highlights how sport fosters physical recovery, identity reconstruction, and social reintegration among disabled veterans. Participants reported increased confidence, reduced stigma, and a renewed sense of purpose. The study positions sport as a transformative tool in veteran rehabilitation

Title: Effects of Participation in a Paralympic Military Sports Camp on Injured Service Members. Implications for Therapeutic Recreation.
Author/Source: Hawkins, B.L.C., A.Lynne.; Crowe, Brandi M.,
Therapeutic Recreation Journal, 2011. 309(4): p. 309-325.
Summary: Evaluated a Paralympic sports camp for injured service members and found improvements in physical capability, behavioural control, and depression. Participants valued the experience for its therapeutic impact and sense of community. The findings support the inclusion of adaptive sports in therapeutic recreation programs.

Title: The physical, psychological, and social impacts of participation in the Invictus Pathways Program: A qualitative analysis of veterans’ perceptions and experiences.
Author/Source: Post, D., et al., PLoS One, 2023. 18(10): p. e0287228.
Summary: Found that participation in the Invictus Pathways Program led to improvements in veterans’ physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connectedness. Veterans reported increased motivation, self-efficacy, and a sense of belonging. The program was particularly effective in fostering peer support and reducing isolation.

Title: A long time getting home: Vietnam Veterans’ experiences in a community exercise rehabilitation programme.
Author/Source: Otter, L. and J. Currie, Disabil Rehabil, 2004. 26(1): p. 27-34.
Summary: Explored Vietnam veterans’ experiences in a community-based exercise program. Participants described the program as instrumental in their recovery, helping them regain physical strength, rebuild social connections, and restore a sense of identity. The findings highlight the long-term value of community-based rehabilitation.

Title: Combining sport and conventional military training provides superior improvements in physical test performance.
Author/Source: Havenetidis, K., et al., International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, 2023. 18(5): p. 1567-1576.
Summary: Found that integrating sport into conventional military training significantly improved physical test performance among army cadets. The combination enhanced strength, endurance, and agility more than traditional training alone. The findings support sport as a valuable addition to military fitness programs.

Title: Physical Activity and Disability: An Analysis on How Activity Might Lower Medical Expenditures.
Author/Source: Xu, X., et al., J Phys Act Health, 2018. 15(8): p. 564-571.
Summary: Showed that increased physical activity among individuals with disabilities—including veterans—can lead to substantial reductions in annual medical expenditures. Even low levels of activity were associated with cost savings, supporting the economic case for promoting physical activity in rehabilitation programs.

Title: Extreme sport as an intervention for physically injured military veterans: the example of competitive motorsport.
Author/Source: Serfioti, D. and N. Hunt, Disabil Rehabil, 2022. 44(24): p. 7566-7574.
Summary: Examined competitive motorsport as a therapeutic intervention for physically injured veterans. Participants reported improved self-image, reduced PTSD symptoms, and enhanced motivation to adopt healthier lifestyles. The findings suggest that extreme sports can offer unique psychological and physical benefits.

Title: Effectiveness of surfing on psychological health in military members: a systematic review.
Author/Source: González-Devesa, D., et al., BMJ Mil Health, 2024.
Summary: Found that surf therapy improves symptoms of depression, anxiety, and positive affect in military personnel. However, it did not show significant effects on pain. The review concludes that surfing is a promising intervention, comparable to other forms of exercise, and calls for more rigorous comparative studies.