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Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)CAM-GRIPNCT07783516

Grappling With Trauma: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for First Responders

A study testing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program in people with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Trauma and Stress Related Disorders, run by Sam Houston State University at 1 site in United States.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial 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… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
What is being tested?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
8 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
15 Aug 2026to 31 May 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • 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

Who cannot join

  • 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

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Lindsey D Taylor contact

713-444-8348

ldt018@shsu.edu

Chi-Sing Li, Ph.D. contact

936-294-1935

DCLO10@SHSU.EDU

United States1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Research Site

    Conroe, Texas, 77304

    Lindsey D Taylor, 713-444-8348, ldt018@shsu.edu

    Chi-Sing Li, Ph.D., 936-294-1935, DCLO10@SHSU.EDU

    Recruiting

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Grappling With Trauma: Evaluating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for Trauma Symptom Reduction Among First Responders

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.

Read the detailed description

This study examines whether participation in an 8-week Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) program is associated with changes in trauma-related symptoms among first responders. First responders frequently experience repeated exposure to stressful or potentially traumatic events, yet many avoid traditional mental health services due to stigma, confidentiality concerns, and cultural expectations of emotional control. As a result, trauma-related symptoms often remain unaddressed. Some first responders prefer movement-based, non-clinical activities to support their well-being, making BJJ a culturally familiar and accessible option.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a structured grappling-based martial art that emphasizes controlled movement, breath regulation, problem-solving under pressure, and connection with training partners. Prior research with veterans and law enforcement officers suggests that BJJ may support emotional regulation, somatic awareness, and reductions in trauma-related distress. However, little research has examined BJJ as a complementary and alternative method (CAM) specifically for the broader first responder population.

This study uses a single-case research design (SCRD) to follow each participant over time. Participants will attend beginner-level BJJ classes for eight weeks and complete daily behavioral rating scales and weekly PTSD symptom measures (PCL-5). They will also complete a brief weekly journal entry and a post-program interview to describe their experiences with stress, mood, regulation, and connection throughout the intervention. This mixed-methods approach allows the study to examine both symptom patterns and participants' lived experiences.

This is not a clinical treatment study and does not diagnose or treat PTSD. The BJJ program is a non-clinical physical activity offered in a community gym setting. The study aims to understand whether participation in BJJ is associated with changes in trauma-related symptoms and related behavioral patterns such as anger/irritability, avoidance, somatic regulation, and relational connection. Findings may help identify culturally aligned, movement-based wellness options for first responders who may not engage in traditional mental health services.

Being tested
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program
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
Medical subject headings
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders, Occupational Stress, Emotional Regulation

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ProgramBehavioural

    Also called BJJ Training, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Classes, Movement-Based Somatic Program, Complementary and Alternative Method (CAM)

    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.

Study groups in NCT07783516
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ProgramExperimentalParticipants 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.
Receives: Behavioral: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  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.

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

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Change in Daily Behavioral Regulation Scores

    Daily behavioral functioning will be assessed using four single-item 0-10 rating scales measuring anger/irritability, behavioral avoidance, somatic regulation, and relational connection. Participants complete these ratings each day across all phases: baseline, 8-week Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu intervention, and 4-week follow-up. These scales capture fluctuations in behavioral and emotional regulation that may not be fully represented by weekly trauma-symptom scores. Each participant serves as their own unit of analysis within a single-case research design.

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

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted24 Aug 2026
  2. Study start15 Aug 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion31 May 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 May 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Not applicable
Intervention model
Single group
Model description
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.
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
8 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07783516
Sponsor's protocol ID
IRB-2026-432
Acronym
CAM-GRIP
Status last verified
Aug 2026
First submitted
20 Aug 2026
Last updated
27 Aug 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Individual participant data (IPD) will not be shared because the study involves a small sample of first responders and includes sensitive trauma-related information that could pose confidentiality risks. The IRB-approved protocol does not include a data-sharing plan, and all data will be stored securely and used only for the purposes of this dissertation research. Only aggregated results will be published.

Publications

  • 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.

    PubMed 31004163
  • 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.

    PubMed 38166296
  • 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.

    PubMed 36737822
  • Porges SW. Polyvagal Theory: A Science of Safety. Front Integr Neurosci. 2022 May 10;16:871227. doi: 10.3389/fnint.2022.871227. eCollection 2022.

    PubMed 35645742
  • 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.

    PubMed 39238472

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program in people with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Trauma and Stress Related Disorders, run by Sam Houston State University at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 27 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Lindsey D Taylor (713-444-8348, ldt018@shsu.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the 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)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07783516, which also lists 5 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 27 Aug 2026.

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