The Effect of a Combined Mindfulness and Yoga Intervention on Soldier Mental Health in Basic Combat Training: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

A large U.S. Army cluster randomized trial in Basic Combat Training conducted by Thomas H Nassif and team at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research found that an embedded mindfulness plus yoga program led to faster reductions in depression and sleep problems compared with standard training. The scalable protocol, delivered by non-specialist instructors, suggests a practical path to primary mental health prevention in high-stress occupations.