The feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of an online mind-body resilience training program for management of symptoms of trauma related disorders amongst first responders

The aim of this project is to ascertain the feasibility and acceptability of administering Online Tactical Resilience Training, a mind-body resilience training program developed by YogaShield® Yoga For First Responders® (YFFR). YogaShield® YFFR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in the United States that delivers in-person and online tactical yoga training to first responders. The Online Tactical Resilience Training program is designed specifically for first responders and aims to provide proactive resilience training to first responders based on the foundation of traditional Hatha yoga, principles of Trauma-Sensitive yoga and uses a methodology that is job-specific and culturally informed. The online program will include modules on developing sustainable habits, foundations of Yoga for First Responders incorporating tactical breathwork and yoga techniques, processing stress and self-regulations strategies, building mental, physical, and emotional resilience, as well as enhancing job performance from decision-making to tactical skills. The program will also provide training on how to apply these techniques on and off the job. The program will include pre-recorded lecture videos and audio materials, interactive exercises, pre-recorded yoga exercise videos, invitations to join a private Facebook group, access to a community forum via the online platform, as well as the option of attending live group Zoom classes with a YFFR instructor. The program is designed to be completed within 6 weeks. However, participants will be given an additional 2 weeks to complete the course if they are unable to complete the course within then. Within these 6 weeks, participants are recommended to login to the online program on Day 1 of each week for a session that that is no longer than 1 hour. Days 2 to 7 of each week will comprise of homework videos no more than 30 minutes. There will also be an optional live zoom class facilitated by a YFFR instructor twice during the course. However, if participants are unable to attend the class at a predetermined time, a recording of the class will be made available, in which participants will be able to view at time that is more convenient to them. The educational material is a readily available resource from the Online Tactical Resilience Training, developed by YogaShield® Yoga For First Responders® (YFFR). To check that participants are adhering to the program, an automated reminder from the YFFR training platform will be sent 3 days from the first login to remind participants to continue with the course and to email YFFR support if they are encountering any technical difficulties with the course.