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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to explore how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and hatha yoga can alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in U.S. service members and veterans. Participants will be randomly assigned to a BJJ group, a yoga group, or a waitlist group to determine which activity offers the most benefit for PTSD symptoms, related mental health issues, and overall quality of life. The trial will also measure stress and sleep quality using non-invasive methods. It is suitable for male U.S. service members or veterans with current PTSD symptoms who have not recently practiced BJJ or yoga. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore innovative, non-invasive therapies for PTSD.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Earlier studies have shown that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) helps reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans. Participants reported increased confidence and control, indicating the practice is generally well-received. No major harmful effects have been reported.

Research shows that Hatha Yoga is also safe for people with PTSD. Studies found it helped lower stress and depressive symptoms. Yoga is typically viewed as a gentle activity and is unlikely to cause harm.

Both BJJ and Hatha Yoga appear to be safe options for managing PTSD symptoms, showing promise in improving mental health without significant risks. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about these treatments for PTSD because they offer a fresh, non-pharmacological approach. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) emphasizes physical engagement and mental focus, which can help improve stress management and self-confidence, potentially offering benefits beyond traditional therapy and medication. Hatha Yoga, on the other hand, combines physical postures with breathing techniques, promoting relaxation and mindfulness, which can be a gentle yet powerful tool for emotional regulation. Unlike standard medications, which often focus on chemical balance in the brain, these practices may enhance mental well-being through physical activity and mindfulness, providing a holistic alternative for those seeking different paths to healing.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for PTSD?

This trial will compare Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Hatha Yoga for their effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms. Research has shown that both BJJ and Hatha Yoga can help alleviate PTSD symptoms. Participants in the BJJ arm may experience significant improvements in PTSD symptoms and reduced feelings of depression, often becoming more assertive, confident, and in control. Meanwhile, those in the Hatha Yoga arm may also see reductions in PTSD and depression symptoms. Evidence from various studies suggests that yoga is a safe and helpful additional treatment for PTSD, enhancing mental health in trauma survivors. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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.

I have been part of a JJ or Yoga regimen in the past 6 months similar to this study.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

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)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6910885/

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training for US Service Members and ... Study participants demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in their PTSD symptoms as well as decreased symptoms of major depressive ...

2. jces.ua.edu jces.ua.edu/articles/65/files/62e2ada677dd4.pdf

Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Managing Post-Traumatic ... Participants report that the therapeutic benefits of BJJ practice include assertiveness, self-confidence, self-control, patience, empathy, empowerment, improved.

3. thesportjournal.org thesportjournal.org/article/an-examination-of-studies-related-to-brazilian-jiu-jitsu-in-enhancing-mental-and-physical-health-among-veterans-and-first-responders-a-scoping-review/

An examination of studies related to Brazilian jiu-jitsu in ... The research [13] shows significant improvements in PTSD symptoms among participants attributed to the physical exertion and mental focus ...

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/359096627_Benefits_of_Brazilian_Jiu-Jitsu_in_Managing_Post-Traumatic_Stress_Disorder_A_Longitudinal_Study

(PDF) Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Managing Post ... The available literature has highlighted BJJ's effectiveness in decreasing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (Willing et al., 2019 ...

5. ej-sport.org ej-sport.org/index.php/sport/article/view/189

Lifelong Skills Learned through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Studies have shown that BJJ training can significantly reduce stress and anxiety while boosting self-esteem and self-efficacy in adults (Tarver ...

6. firefighternation.com firefighternation.com/health-wellness/firefighter-mental-health/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-and-ptsd/

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and PTSD A study suggests that Brazilian jiu jitsu may be effective at mitigating the impact of PTSD for firefighters and first responders.