In partnership with Barry University and Eva Nowakowski-Sims, PhD: A Grounded Theory of Weightlifting as an Adjunct Intervention for Trauma

A first of its kind qualitative research project exploring weightlifting as an adjunct intervention for trauma. Weightlifting is a feasible, low-risk adjunct intervention that may be an effective short-term treatment for people experiencing trauma related symptoms. The purpose of the study is to explore the processes and elements inherent in the weightlifting experience that facilitate healing. Using a grounded theory approach, we will interview lifters with a self-reported trauma history to elicit in-depth feedback about their experience with weightlifting as a healing strategy, specific elements they found beneficial or barriers to success, as well as thoughts and feelings about including trauma-informed elements to the weightlifting intervention. This will inform the ongoing development of a trauma-informed training manual for coaches/gyms that provide weightlifting training.

We are no longer recruiting for this study. If you are interested in learning more about this and other research efforts, be sure to follow us on Instagram and sign up at the bottom of this page to receive occasional email updates.