Grappling With Trauma: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for First Responders

NCT07783516 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: IRB-2026-432
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 8
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study explores whether participating in an 8-week Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) program is linked to changes in trauma-related symptoms among first responders. Many first responders experience ongoing stress or exposure to traumatic events, and some prefer physical, movement-based activities rather than traditional clinical services to support their well-being. In this study, participants will attend BJJ classes one to two times per week for eight weeks. They will also complete short daily and weekly questionnaires about mood, stress, and well-being, write brief weekly reflections, and participate in a one-on-one interview after the program. The study aims to understand both symptom patterns and participants' personal experiences with emotional regulation and overall wellness during the program. This study does not provide mental health treatment and will not diagnose or treat PTSD. Instead, it examines whether BJJ, as a non-clinical physical activity, may offer supportive benefits for first responders.

Conditions

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD); Trauma and Stress Related Disorders; Occupational Stress; Emotional Regulation Difficulties; Anger Problems; Relational Problems; Irritability

Keywords

First Responders; Trauma-Related Symptoms; Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms; Occupational Stress; Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ); Complementary and Alternative Methods (CAM); Somatic Regulation; Emotional Regulation; Movement-Based Intervention; Single-Case Research Design; Mixed-Methods Reseach; Behavioral Rating Scales; PCL-5; Resilience and Stress Reduction; Relational Connection; Avoidance and Anger/Irritability

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Trauma Symptom Severity (PCL-5)

  Weekly trauma symptom severity will be measured using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Scores will be collected across three phases: baseline, 8-week Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu intervention, and 4-week follow-up. The measure will be used to observe individual patterns of change in trauma-related symptoms over time. Each participant serves as their own unit of analysis within a single-case research design.

  15 Weeks: Baseline Phase (3 weeks), Intervention Phase (8 weeks), Follow-Up Phase (4 weeks)

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Daily Behavioral Regulation Scores

  15 Weeks Total: Baseline Phase (3 weeks), Intervention Phase (8 weeks), Follow-Up Phase (4 weeks)

Study Arms (1)

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this arm complete all phases of the study, including a baseline period, an 8-week Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) program, and a 4-week follow-up phase. During the baseline phase, participants do not engage in BJJ and complete daily behavioral rating scales and weekly PTSD symptom measures to establish symptom patterns prior to the intervention. During the 8-week intervention phase, participants attend beginner-level BJJ classes at a community academy and continue completing daily and weekly measures, along with weekly journal reflections. After the intervention, participants enter a 4-week follow-up phase in which they discontinue BJJ training and continue completing daily and weekly assessments to evaluate maintenance or change in symptoms. All participants receive the same sequence of activities and assessments, and no randomization or comparison arm is used.

Behavioral: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program

Interventions

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program BEHAVIORAL

Participants engage in an 8-week Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) program delivered in a community martial arts academy. The intervention consists of beginner-level, instructor-led classes that emphasize controlled movement, breath regulation, positional problem-solving, and partner-based training. All participants attend the same type of classes and may modify activities as needed for safety. The BJJ program is a non-clinical, movement-based activity intended to support somatic regulation, emotional regulation, and relational connection. Participants complete daily behavioral rating scales, weekly PTSD symptom measures (PCL-5), and weekly journal reflections throughout the intervention. The program is preceded by a baseline phase with no BJJ participation and followed by a 4-week post-intervention phase to observe maintenance or change in symptoms. No randomization or masking is used; all participants receive the same intervention.

Also known as: BJJ Training, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes, Movement-Based Somatic Program, Complementary and Alternative Method (CAM), Structured Physical Activity Program

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Current first responders (law enforcement, fire fighters, EMS, dispatch)
• Adults (18+)
• Experiencing trauma-related stress
• Able/willing to attend BJJ classes twice per week
• Able/willing to complete daily and weekly measures
• Located in Montgomery County or nearby areas

You may not qualify if:

• Individuals younger that 18 years of age
• Individuals who cannot safely participate in physical activity
• Individuals who cannot complete daily/weekly measures
• Individuals who are not current first responders
• Individuals who need a higher level of care

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Sam Houston State University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Research Site

Conroe, Texas, 77304, United States

RECRUITING

Related Publications (5)

• Willing AE, Girling SA, Deichert R, Wood-Deichert R, Gonzalez J, Hernandez D, Foran E, Sanberg PR, Kip KE. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training for US Service Members and Veterans with Symptoms of PTSD. Mil Med. 2019 Dec 1;184(11-12):e626-e631. doi: 10.1093/milmed/usz074.

  PMID: 31004163 BACKGROUND

• Arjmand HA, O'Donnell ML, Putica A, Sadler N, Peck T, Nursey J, Varker T. Mental health treatment for first responders: An assessment of mental health provider needs. Psychol Serv. 2024 Aug;21(3):489-499. doi: 10.1037/ser0000832. Epub 2024 Jan 1.

  PMID: 38166296 BACKGROUND

• Siegel DJ, Drulis C. An interpersonal neurobiology perspective on the mind and mental health: personal, public, and planetary well-being. Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2023 Feb 3;22(1):5. doi: 10.1186/s12991-023-00434-5.

  PMID: 36737822 BACKGROUND

• Porges SW. Polyvagal Theory: A Science of Safety. Front Integr Neurosci. 2022 May 10;16:871227. doi: 10.3389/fnint.2022.871227. eCollection 2022.

  PMID: 35645742 BACKGROUND

• Cogan N, Craig A, Milligan L, McCluskey R, Burns T, Ptak W, Kirk A, Graf C, Goodman J, De Kock J. 'I've got no PPE to protect my mind': understanding the needs and experiences of first responders exposed to trauma in the workplace. Eur J Psychotraumatol. 2024;15(1):2395113. doi: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2395113. Epub 2024 Sep 6.

  PMID: 39238472 BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders; Occupational Stress; Emotional Regulation

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Stress Disorders, Traumatic; Mental Disorders; Occupational Diseases; Stress, Psychological; Behavioral Symptoms; Behavior; Self-Control; Social Behavior

Study Officials

• Chi-Sing Li, Ph.D.

  Sam Houston State University

  STUDY CHAIR

Central Study Contacts

Lindsey D Taylor

CONTACT

713-444-8348; ldt018@shsu.edu

Chi-Sing Li, Ph.D.

CONTACT

936-294-1935; DCLO10@SHSU.EDU

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Professor

Model Details: This study uses a single-group assignment in which all participants receive the same 8-week Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) program. The design follows a single-case research structure with repeated measurement across three phases: baseline, intervention, and follow-up. Each participant serves as their own unit of analysis, allowing the study to examine individual patterns of change in trauma-related symptoms over time. Daily behavioral ratings, weekly PTSD symptom measures, weekly journal reflections, and a post-program interview are used to capture both quantitative and qualitative outcomes. No randomization or control group is used, and the study does not provide clinical treatment. The model is intended to observe whether participation in a structured, movement-based program is associated with changes in emotional and somatic regulation among first responders.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 20, 2026
• First Posted: August 24, 2026
• Study Start: August 15, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): May 31, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): May 31, 2027
• Last Updated: August 27, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

US (1)