Impact of Military Affiliation on Exercise Perceptions Among Survivors of Sexual Violence.

This article focuses on exercise perceptions, barriers, benefits, and program preferences among men and women survivors of sexual violence (SV) with current or past military affiliations. Using an online survey of 553 U.S. adults with self-reported SV histories, including 263 with military involvement, the study found that military-affiliated survivors preferred at-home and online exercise options, favored same-gender instructors, and valued social interaction benefits of exercise more than civilians. Both men and women with military backgrounds reported greater perceived barriers to exercise, such as poor exercise environments, time constraints, and family discouragement, with women also endorsing physical exertion as a barrier. The findings suggest that tailored, trauma-informed exercise programs emphasizing social support and gender-specific considerations may enhance engagement and health outcomes among military-affiliated SV survivors.