Rehabilitative care of war-related health concerns

The objective of this study was to Pilot the effectiveness of a 3-week reha bilitative intervention that used medical review, graded exercise, educatio n on Gulf War exposures, active coping, and nutrition to improve disability and related distress for Gulf War veterans with persistent symptoms. One h undred and nine veterans were assessed at program entry and exit and at I a nd 3 months after program completion. Outcomes were physical symptoms, qual ity of life, physical health concern, and psychosocial distress-contrasted across time and demographic groups. After treatment, veterans showed modest and global improvements; women were more likely than men to show improveme nt, The finding that Gulf War veterans who completed specialized rehabilita tive management experienced modest, short-term improvements is encouraging, given that veterans of the conflict remain concerned about their future he alth. Controlled studies are needed.