Abstract
<p>Objective: Youth in residential treatment are likely to have a history of complex trauma, which is linked to disruptions in interoception. Conventional talk psychotherapy may not address disruptions in interoception as keenly as movement-based interventions. Therefore, the present pilot study explored the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an adjunctive movement-based intervention, Trauma-Informed Weight Lifting (TIWL). Method: Following a non-randomized, quasi-experimental design, adolescents and young adults (N = 12) from two residential facilities received eight weeks of TIWL (n = 7) or treatment-as-usual (n = 5). Perceived helpfulness of the intervention, attendance, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and interoception were evaluated weekly via self-report. Other psychological symptoms were assessed at pre-treatment, mid-treatment, post-treatment, and four-week follow-up. Results: TIWL appeared feasible and acceptable in an adolescent residential treatment setting based on participants’ high attendance rate and ratings of helpfulness. Those who participated in TIWL reported lower posttraumatic stress, depression, and stress symptoms and higher levels of interoception at post-treatment. However, these effects were not maintained at follow-up, nor were they significantly greater than those in treatment-as-usual. Conclusions: There is preliminary evidence for the feasibility and acceptability of TIWL delivered in residential treatment. More research is needed to identify how effects on posttraumatic stress and interoception may be maintained at follow-up and whether effects are above treatment-as-usual. Nonetheless, TIWL could serve as an integrative option for those who may not engage in talk therapy. Future research on movement-based interventions, such as TIWL, is warranted. Keywords: trauma-informed care, weightlifting, adolescent psychology, complex trauma, interoceptionClinical Impact Statement: An eight-week Trauma-Informed Weight Lifting (TIWL) intervention was feasible and acceptable among a sample of adolescents and young adults in residential treatment. TIWL participants reported fewer mental health symptoms and higher interoception at post-treatment; however, effects were not maintained after four weeks, nor were they considerably different from treatment-as-usual. Nonetheless, TIWL provided a different treatment approach for youth, with no adverse events reported. Practitioners could consider integrating movement-based approaches in treatment.</p>