Brazilian Jiu Jitsu vs. Yoga for PTSD

(JOYPTSDVET Trial)

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Male

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of South Florida

Disqualifiers: Bipolar, Substance abuse, Brain injury, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 10 weeks

64 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disabling anxiety disorder that may occur after witnessing a traumatic event, and that evokes a combination of intrusion and avoidance symptoms, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity1. The primary objective of this pilot randomized controlled trial is to estimate and compare the effects of the practice of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) vs. hatha yoga vs. a waitlist control condition in influencing symptoms of PTSD, related comorbidities, post-traumatic growth, and quality of life among U.S. service members/veterans with current symptoms of PTSD. In addition, objective measurements (comparisons) of stress and sleep quality will be made through the collection and evaluation of salivary alpha amylase, hair cortisol, and actigraphy, a non-invasive way to measure activity cycles.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for U.S. service members or veterans who are currently experiencing symptoms of PTSD. Participants should be interested in trying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Hatha Yoga as potential treatments. The study will also track stress and sleep quality scientifically.

Inclusion Criteria

Current evidence of significant symptoms of PTSD, as determined from the 20-item PCL-5 and positive screen on the PTSD subscale of the PDSQ

Denial of suicidal/homicidal ideation or intent, and no evidence of psychotic behavior or being in psychological crisis

I am a male U.S. service member or veteran.

Exclusion Criteria

Contraindication to significant physical activity with BJJ or Yoga

I am able to understand and follow the study's requirements.

Major psychiatric disorder uncontrolled and likely to interfere with treatment delivery

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Waitlist Control

Participants in the waitlist control group will wait for 5 weeks before choosing to participate in either the BJJ or Yoga intervention

5 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

Treatment

Participants receive either Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Hatha Yoga intervention for 10 weeks

10 weeks

Weekly sessions (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

8 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
• Hatha Yoga

Trial Overview The trial aims to compare the effects of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Hatha Yoga, and a waitlist control on PTSD symptoms, comorbidities, post-traumatic growth, and life quality. It includes objective measurements like saliva tests for stress hormones and activity monitoring.

Participant Groups

Group I: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Active Control 1 Intervention

Jiu Jitsu intervention for ten weeks

Group II: Hatha Yoga Active Control 1 Intervention

Yoga intervention for ten weeks

Group III: Waitlist Active Control 1 Intervention

Waitlist group for 5 weeks, then allowed to chose if they want to be in Group A Jiu Jitsu or Group B Yoga for ten week intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of South Florida

Lead Sponsor

Trials

433

Recruited

198,000+