Recruiting

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Sponsor:

Sam Houston State University

Code:

NCT07783516

Conditions

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Trauma and Stress Related Disorders

Occupational Stress

Emotional Regulation Difficulties

Anger Problems

Eligibility Criteria

Sex: All

Age: 18+

Healthy Volunteers: Accepted

Interventions

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program

Study Details

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

Study ID

NCT07783516

Start date

Aug 15, 2026

Status verified date

Aug, 2026

Completion date

May 31, 2027

Anticipated

Primary completion date

May 31, 2027

Anticipated

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

Sex: All

Age: 18+

Healthy Volunteers: Accepted

Inclusion Criteria:

  • 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

Exclusion Criteria:

  • 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

Study Design

Enrollment

8 participants

Anticipated

Intervention Model

Single group

Primary purpose

Supportive Care

Interventions and Outcome Measures

Arms

experimental: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program

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.

Interventions

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program

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.

Primary outcome measure

  • Change in Trauma Symptom Severity (PCL-5) [ Time Frame: 15 Weeks: Baseline Phase (3 weeks), Intervention Phase (8 weeks), Follow-Up Phase (4 weeks) ]

Central Contacts and Locations

Central contacts

Lindsey D Taylor

713-444-8348ldt018@shsu.edu

Chi-Sing Li, Ph.D.

936-294-1935DCLO10@SHSU.EDU

Locations

Research Site

Recruiting

Conroe, Texas, United States, 77304

Contacts

Lindsey D Taylor

713-444-8348ldt018@shsu.edu

Chi-Sing Li, Ph.D.

936-294-1935DCLO10@SHSU.EDU

Principal Investigator:

Lindsey D Taylor

More Information

Sponsor

Sam Houston State University

Last update posted

Aug 27, 2026

Last verified

Aug, 2026

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

Trial information was received from ClinicalTrials.gov and was last updated on 2026-09-09. This information was provided to ClinicalTrials.gov by Sam Houston State University on 2026-08-27.