RESEARCH & EVIDENCE
The science behind our mission. Peer-reviewed studies, government statistics, and medical research that demonstrate why fitness is medicine for veterans and first responders.
KEY STATISTICS AT A GLANCE
Click any statistic to view the source
30%
Develop PTSD vs 7% general population
1.5x
Higher behavioral health conditions than general population
54%
Higher suicide risk for law enforcement
More
Firefighter suicides than line-of-duty deaths
37%
Of EMS providers have contemplated suicide
85%
Of first responders have mental health symptoms
18+
Cited Statistics
15+
Peer-Reviewed Studies
8+
Government Resources
100%
Evidence-Based Mission
UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM
Veterans and first responders face mental health challenges at significantly higher rates than the general population. These statistics represent real people who need support.
VETERAN STATISTICS
FIRST RESPONDER STATISTICS
NURSE & HEALTHCARE WORKER STATISTICS
EXERCISE AS MEDICINE
Decades of peer-reviewed research demonstrate the powerful effects of physical activity on mental health. Here are the studies that inform our approach.
Exercise as a Treatment for Depression
Blumenthal JA, Babyak MA, et al. • Archives of Internal Medicine (1999)
Key Finding: Exercise was as effective as medication for treating major depression in adults.
Exercise for PTSD in Adults: Systematic Review
Hegberg NJ, Hayes JP, Hayes SM • Frontiers in Psychology (2022)
Key Finding: Physical activity interventions effectively reduce PTSD symptoms.
Exercise and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Military Veterans: A Systematic Review
Whitworth JW, Ciccolo JT • Military Medicine (2016)
Key Finding: Regular exercise is inversely correlated with PTSD symptoms in veterans.
Exercise Augmentation of Exposure Therapy for PTSD
Powers MB, Medina JL, et al. • Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (2015)
Key Finding: Exercise augments the effects of prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD.
Exercise and Neuroplasticity
Cotman CW, Berchtold NC • Trends in Neurosciences (2002)
Key Finding: Exercise increases BDNF and promotes brain health.
Effects of Exercise on Anxiety
Stubbs B, Vancampfort D, et al. • Psychiatry Research (2017)
Key Finding: Exercise is an effective treatment for anxiety.
Physical Fitness and Resilience in Military Personnel
Meredith LS, Sherbourne CD, et al. • RAND Corporation (2011)
Key Finding: Physical fitness is a key component of psychological resilience.
Group Exercise and Social Connection
Beauchamp MR, Carron AV, et al. • Annals of Behavioral Medicine (2007)
Key Finding: Group exercise enhances adherence and mental health outcomes.
The Effect of Acute Aerobic Exercise on Positive Activated Affect
Reed J, Ones DS • Psychology of Sport and Exercise (2006)
Key Finding: Even a single bout of exercise significantly improves mood.
Exercise Prescription for Depression
Schuch FB, Vancampfort D, et al. • Journal of Psychiatric Research (2016)
Key Finding: Exercise has a large antidepressant effect.
Addressing Nurse Burnout: The Relationship Between Burnout and Physical Activity
Guerrero K, Fleming S, Calderon A, Fontenot N • American Journal of Nursing (2024)
Key Finding: Physical activity significantly reduces burnout in nurses.
Reducing Workplace Burnout: The Relative Benefits of Cardiovascular and Resistance Exercise
Bretland RJ, Thorsteinsson EB • PeerJ (2015)
Key Finding: Exercise reduces work-related stress and burnout symptoms.
Aerobic Exercise Training and Burnout
Gerber M, Brand S, Elliot C, et al. • BMC Research Notes (2013)
Key Finding: Aerobic exercise protects against burnout symptoms.
Exercise Intervention in PTSD: A Narrative Review and Rationale for Implementation
Hegberg NJ, Hayes JP, Hayes SM • Frontiers in Psychiatry (2019)
Key Finding: Exercise is a promising intervention for PTSD in veteran and community populations.
The Use of Yoga to Manage Stress and Burnout in Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review
Cocchiara RA, Peruzzo M, Mannocci A, et al. • Journal of Clinical Medicine (2019)
Key Finding: Yoga is effective in managing stress and burnout in healthcare workers.
GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
Official reports, guidelines, and resources from federal agencies including the VA, CDC, SAMHSA, and Department of Defense.
National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs • 2022
Comprehensive annual report on veteran suicide rates, risk factors, and prevention efforts across all 50 states.
PTSD: National Center for PTSD
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs • Ongoing
Research, treatment resources, and educational materials on PTSD for veterans and their families.
Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services • 2018
Federal guidelines on physical activity for health benefits, including mental health improvements.
First Responders: Behavioral Health Concerns
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) • 2018
Resources and data on behavioral health issues affecting first responders.
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
SAMHSA • Ongoing
Evidence-based suicide prevention resources and training programs.
CDC Workplace Health: Emergency Responders
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • 2024
Health and safety resources specifically for emergency responders and first responders.
Military Health System Research
U.S. Department of Defense • Ongoing
Research on military health including PTSD, TBI, and behavioral health.
National Institute of Mental Health: PTSD
National Institutes of Health • Ongoing
Research findings and resources on PTSD causes, treatments, and outcomes.
HOW OWF APPLIES THE RESEARCH
Our program is designed around evidence-based principles that maximize mental health benefits for participants.
Structured Physical Activity
Race training provides the consistent, goal-oriented exercise shown in research to be most effective for mental health.
Community Connection
Group exercise and shared experiences combat isolation, a key factor in veteran and first responder mental health.
Progressive Goals
Training for races provides measurable progress and achievement, building self-efficacy and resilience.
Purpose & Identity
Crossing finish lines replaces lost military/service identity with new sources of accomplishment and purpose.
HELP US PUT RESEARCH INTO ACTION
Every donation helps translate this evidence into real-world impact for veterans and first responders.
Disclaimer: The statistics and research presented on this page are compiled from publicly available sources for educational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we encourage visitors to verify information through the original sources linked. Exercise and physical activity should complement, not replace, professional mental health treatment when needed. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the Veterans Crisis Line (988, Press 1) or 911.