scholarly journals Head Trauma Exposure in Mixed Martial Arts Varies According to Sex and Weight Class

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 280-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Follmer ◽  
Rodolfo Andre Dellagrana ◽  
E. Paul Zehr
Keyword(s):  
Head Trauma ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Trauma Exposure ◽  
Weight Class ◽  
Mixed Martial Arts ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Weight Category ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Level 3

Background: Brain injury arising from head trauma is a major concern in mixed martial arts (MMA) because knockout (KO) and technical knockout (TKO) are frequent fight outcomes. Previous studies have shown a high incidence of matches ending due to strikes to the head but did not consider weight categories and female fights. This study aimed at analyzing match stoppages in MMA and the exposure to head trauma distinguished by sex and weight categories. Hypothesis: The heavier the weight class, the greater the risk and incidence of head trauma will be, regardless of sex. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Publicly available data of 167 MMA events from 1903 fights between 2014 and 2017 were assessed, comprising 8 male and 2 female weight categories. Results: The combined KO/TKO rates per 100 athlete-exposures in the middleweight (19.53), light heavyweight (20.8), and heavyweight (26.09) divisions were greater than previously reported for MMA. While stoppage via KO/TKO occurred in 7.9% of combats in the female strawweight division, it occurred in 52.1% of the male heavyweight fights. The male middleweight ( P = 0.001), light heavyweight ( P < 0.001), and heavyweight divisions ( P < 0.001) had an increased risk of KO/TKO due to strikes to the head by 80%, 100%, and 206%, respectively. The risk in the flyweight division decreased 62% ( P = 0.001). All categories were compared with the lightweight division. The female bantamweight category presented a 221% increased risk in matches ending due to KO/TKO compared with the strawweight division ( P = 0.012). Punches to the head were the major technique used to end a combat via KO/TKO, regardless of sex and weight class. Conclusion: Head injury risk and incidence varies considerably according to sex and weight category in MMA. Clinical Relevance: The analysis of head trauma exposure in MMA athletes should be distinguished according to sex and weight category.

scholarly journals Differences in Lower Extremity Movement Quality by Level of Sport Specialization in Cadets Entering a United States Service Academy

2021 ◽  
pp. 194173812199409
Author(s):  
CPT Connor B. Venrick ◽  
Story F. Miraldi ◽  
Lindsay J. DiStefano ◽  
Karen Y. Peck ◽  
LTC Matthew A. Posner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Movement Quality ◽  
Youth Athletes ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Level 3 ◽  
Service Academy ◽  
Sectional Analysis

Background: Sport specialization in youth athletes is associated with increased risk for musculoskeletal injury; however, little is known about whether sport specialization is associated with lower extremity movement quality. The purpose of this study was to examine differences in lower extremity movement quality by level of sport specialization in US Service Academy cadets. Hypothesis: Cadets who report an increased level of sport specialization would have a lower level of movement quality than those who are less specialized. Study Design: Cross-sectional analysis from an ongoing prospective cohort study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Cadets completed the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) and a baseline questionnaire evaluating level of sport specialization during high school. Data were analyzed using separate 1-way analysis of variance models. Results: Among all participants (n = 1950), 1045 (53.6%) reported low sport specialization, 600 (30.8%) reported moderate sport specialization, and 305 (15.6%) reported high sport specialization at the time of data collection during the first week. Ages ranged from 17 to 23 years. Men (1491) and women (459) reported comparable specialization levels ( P = 0.45). There were no statistically significant differences in lower extremity movement quality by level of specialization for all subjects combined ( P = 0.15) or when only men were included in the analyses ( P = 0.69). However, there were statistically significant differences in movement quality by level of specialization in women ( P = 0.02). Moderately specialized women had the best movement quality (mean, 4.63; SD, 2.21) followed by those with high specialization (mean, 4.90; SD, 2.08) and those with low levels of specialization (mean, 5.23; SD, 2.07). Conclusion: Women reporting moderate sport specialization had improved movement quality and significantly better LESS scores compared to those with high/low specialization. Clinical Relevance: Athletes, especially women, should be encouraged to avoid early sport specialization to optimize movement quality, which may affect injury risk.

scholarly journals Injury Risk Associated With Sports Specialization and Activity Volume in Youth

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 232596711987012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison E. Field ◽  
Frances A. Tepolt ◽  
Daniel S. Yang ◽  
Mininder S. Kocher
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
The United States ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Sports Activity ◽  
Risk Of Injury ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Anterior Cruciate

Background: Sports specialization has become increasingly common among youth. Purpose/Hypothesis: To investigate the relative importance of specialization vs volume of activity in increasing risk of injury. Hypotheses were that specialization increases the risk of injury and that risk varies by sport. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A prospective analysis was conducted with data collected from 10,138 youth in the Growing Up Today Study—a prospective cohort study of youth throughout the United States—and their mothers. Activity was assessed via questionnaires in 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2001. Sports specialization was defined as engaging in a single sport in the fall, winter, and spring. Injury history was provided by participants’ mothers via questionnaire in 2004. The outcome was incident stress fracture, tendinitis, chondromalacia patella, anterior cruciate ligament tear, or osteochondritis dissecans or osteochondral defect. Results: Females who engaged in sports specialization were at increased risk of injury (hazard ratio [HR], 1.31; 95% CI, 1.07-1.61), but risk varied by sport. Sports specialization was associated with greater volume of physical activity in both sexes ( P < .0001). Total hours per week of vigorous activity was predictive of developing injury, regardless of what other variables were included in the statistical model (males: HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.06; females: HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.05-1.08). Among females, even those engaging in 3 to 3.9 hours per week less than their age were at a significantly increased risk of injury (HR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.34-2.77). In males, there was no clear pattern of risk. Conclusion: Sports specialization is associated with a greater volume of vigorous sports activity and increased risk of injury. Parents, coaches, and medical providers need to be made aware of the volume threshold above which physical activity is excessive.

scholarly journals Prevalence, Magnitude and Methods of Rapid Weight Loss Reported by Male Mixed Martial Arts Athletes in Ireland

Sports ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 206 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Connor ◽  
Brendan Egan
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Rapid Weight Loss ◽  
Mass Reduction ◽  
Mixed Martial Arts ◽  
Weight Category ◽  
Water Loading ◽  
Body Mass Reduction

Rapid weight loss (RWL) is frequently practiced in weight category sports, including Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The aim of the present study was to describe self-reported methods of RWL in a sample of competitive MMA athletes comprising of both amateur and professional fighters. The previously-validated Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire, with the addition of questions on water loading and hot salt baths, was completed anonymously online by athletes (n = 30; all male, n = 15/15 professional/amateur) from MMA clubs around Dublin, Ireland. All but one (97%) of the athletes surveyed lost weight in order to compete, with the average weight loss being 7.9% ± 3.1% of habitual body mass. The RWL score (mean ± SD) for this sample was 37.9 ± 9.6, and a tendency for higher [6.0 (95%CI; −1.1, 13.1) (p = 0.093; d = 0.64)] RWL scores for professional (40.8 ± 8.9) compared to amateur (34.8 ± 9.6) athletes was observed. Frequencies of “always” or “sometimes” were reported as 90% for water loading, 76% for hot salt baths and 55% for 24 h of fasting. Fellow fighters (41%) and coaches/mentors (38%) were “very influential” on RWL practices of these athletes, with doctors (67%), dietitians (41%), and physical trainers (37%) said to be “not influential”. RWL is highly prevalent in MMA across both amateur and professional athletes, and RWL scores are higher than other combat sports. Water loading and hot salt baths are amongst the most commonly used methods of RWL despite little research on these methods for body mass reduction or effects on performance in weight category sports.

scholarly journals Combat Sport Nutrition: A Pragmatic Case Study in an Elite Mixed Martial Arts Athlete

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Matthews
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Traditional Approach ◽  
Sports Nutrition ◽  
Energy Restriction ◽  
Sport Nutrition ◽  
Rapid Weight Loss ◽  
Mixed Martial Arts ◽  
Weight Category

Introduction: Mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes typically undergo energy restriction and severe dehydration to compete in a specific weight category: a process known as making weight. This can pose a health risk to athletes and has led to fatalities. Some risks can be mitigated with structured sports nutrition. Methods: This case study provides an overview of a 10-week sports nutrition intervention devised to support an elite male MMA athlete for a world lightweight title bout. Results: Over a 9-week period, body mass was reduced from 81.6 kg (baseline) to 75.4 kg (1-week pre-competition): total loss 6.2 kg (8.2%) equivalent to 0.68 kg.wk-1. In the final 5 days, body mass was reduced by a further 5.2 kg (7.4%), before regaining 5.8 kg (8.3%) and entering competition at 76 kg. There was no incidence of injury or illness throughout the training camp and the athlete reported positive feedback regarding health, wellbeing, and physical performance. Conclusions: The intervention demonstrates a pragmatic approach to making weight by allowing moderate rapid weight loss (RWL) and rapid weight gain under controlled conditions. In the absence of rule changes to prevent RWL, coaches and athletes can utilise sports nutrition strategies to minimise the risks associated with a traditional approach to making weight.

scholarly journals Do Professional Baseball Players With a Higher Valgus Carrying Angle Have an Increased Risk of Shoulder and Elbow Injuries?

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (8) ◽  
pp. 232596711986673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon J. Erickson ◽  
Peter N. Chalmers ◽  
John Zajac ◽  
Terrance Sgroi ◽  
Jonathan James Eno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Professional Baseball ◽  
Hand Dominance ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Minor League ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Elbow Injuries ◽  
Baseball Pitchers ◽  
Carrying Angle

Background: There are many risk factors for shoulder and elbow injuries in professional baseball pitchers. The elbow carrying angle has not been studied as a potential risk factor. Purpose/Hypothesis: The aim of this study was to determine whether elbow carrying angle is a risk factor for shoulder or elbow injuries in professional baseball pitchers. We hypothesized that pitchers with a higher elbow carrying angle would be less likely to sustain an injury during the season than pitchers with a lower elbow carrying angle. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: All professional pitchers for a single baseball club during the 2018 season had the carrying angle of both elbows measured at spring training by a single examiner. The pitchers were followed prospectively throughout the season. Shoulder and elbow injuries were recorded prospectively. Results: A total of 52 pitchers (21 [40%] Major League Baseball and 31 [60%] Minor League Baseball) were included. During the season, 23 (44%) pitchers became injured. The mean carrying angle in the throwing arm was 12.5° ± 4.2° versus 9.9° ± 2.8° in the nonthrowing arm ( P < .001). Comparing the injured and noninjured groups, there were no differences in level of play ( P = .870), throwing hand dominance ( P = .683), batting hand dominance ( P = .554), throwing-side carrying angle ( P = .373), nonthrowing-side carrying angle ( P = .773), or side-to-side difference in carrying angle ( P = .481). Conclusion: The elbow carrying angle was not associated with an injury risk during a single season in professional baseball pitchers.

scholarly journals The Effect of the Number of Carries on Injury Risk and Subsequent Season’s Performance Among Running Backs in the National Football League

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596711769194 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Kraeutler ◽  
John W. Belk ◽  
Eric C. McCarty
Keyword(s):  
Injury Risk ◽  
National Football League ◽  
Matched Pair ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Risk Of Injury ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Group A ◽  
Preceding Season ◽  
Playing Time ◽  
Group B

Background: In recent years, several studies have correlated pitch count with an increased risk for injury among baseball pitchers. However, no studies have attempted to draw a similar conclusion based on number of carries by running backs (RBs) in football. Purpose: To determine whether there is a correlation between number of carries by RBs in the National Football League (NFL) and risk of injury or worsened performance in the subsequent season. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The ESPN NFL statistics archives were searched from the 2004 through 2014 regular seasons. During each season, data were collected on RBs with 150 to 250 carries (group A) and 300+ carries (group B). The following data were collected for each player and compared between groups: number of carries and mean yards per carry during the regular season of interest and the subsequent season, number of games missed due to injury during the season of interest and the subsequent season, and the specific injuries resulting in missed playing time during the subsequent season. Matched-pair t tests were used to compare changes within each group from one season to the next in terms of number of carries, mean yards per carry, and games missed due to injury. Results: During the seasons studied, a total of 275 RBs were included (group A, 212; group B, 63). In group A, 140 RBs (66%) missed at least 1 game the subsequent season due to injury, compared with 31 RBs (49%) in group B ( P = .016). In fact, players in group B missed significantly fewer games due to injury during the season of interest ( P < .0001) as well as the subsequent season ( P < .01). Mean yards per carry was not significantly different between groups in the preceding season ( P = .073) or the subsequent season ( P = .24). Conclusion: NFL RBs with a high number of carries are not placed at greater risk of injury or worsened performance during the subsequent season. These RBs may be generally less injury prone compared with other NFL RBs.

scholarly journals Dangers of Mixed Martial Arts in the Development of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucas Lim ◽  
Roger Ho ◽  
Cyrus Ho
Keyword(s):  
Head Trauma ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Short Term Memory ◽  
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Cognitive Testing ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Mixed Martial Arts

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) was first discovered in professional boxers after they exhibited memory impairments, mood and behavioral changes after years of boxing. However, there is now a growing acceptance that CTE can develop in athletes of other sports due to the repetitive head trauma they receive. We present a case of a middle-aged male who presented with worsening memory, poor concentration, and behavioral changes for a year. On further cognitive testing, it was revealed that he had difficulties with short-term memory and processing speed as well as difficulties in organizing and multitasking. He had been practicing mixed martial arts (MMA) for 10 years, and later was an instructor of the sport. Through a detailed examination of his history, it was discovered that he sustained recurrent minor head concussions due to his line of work. To date, there has been limited large-scale research on head trauma in MMA. There is thus an urgent need for more studies in this area as CTE can be a chronic and debilitating illness with incapacitating neuropsychiatric sequelae. This case highlights the importance of public awareness of the risks of MMA and the dangers it poses to the brain, especially with more young people being attracted to this sport.

Effect of Forearm Position on Glenohumeral External Rotation Measurements in Baseball Players

2021 ◽  
pp. 194173812110329
Author(s):  
W. Ben Kibler ◽  
Aaron Sciascia ◽  
John Stuart Mattison Pike ◽  
Michael Howell ◽  
Kevin E. Wilk
Keyword(s):  
Injury Risk ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Baseball Players ◽  
Minor League Baseball ◽  
Minor League ◽  
Level 3 ◽  
Motion Measurements ◽  
Throwing Motion

Background: Alterations in glenohumeral internal rotation (GIR), glenohumeral external rotation (GER), and the total arc of motion (TAM) have been linked with increased injury risk in the shoulder and elbow. These motions have been routinely measured with the forearm in neutral rotation (GIRN, GERN, TAMN). GER capacity appears to be especially important. The throwing motion, however, requires forearm pronation as GER occurs to achieve optimal cocking (GERP). No previous studies have evaluated GERP to determine GER capacity or pronated TAM (TAMP) values. Hypothesis: There would be significant differences between GERN and TAMN and between GERP and TAMP. Study Design: Cross-sectional. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: Sixty asymptomatic male Minor League Baseball players (32 pitchers, 28 position players) participated in the study and were tested on the first day of spring training. Passive range of motion measurements were recorded using a long-arm bubble goniometer for GIRN, GERN, and GERP on both arms. TAM was calculated separately as the sum of internal and external rotational measurements under neutral and pronated conditions. Results: Within pitchers and position players, all measurements were statistically reduced for the throwing arm ( P ≤ 0.03) except for GERN of the pitchers. GERP measures were significantly less than GERN for both arms of each group ( P < 0.01): pitchers throwing arm +11.8°/nonthrowing arm +4.8°, position players throwing arm = +8.6°/nonthrowing arm +4.0°. Conclusion: The forearm position of pronation, which appears to be mediated by tightness of the biceps, decreases GER capacity and TAM. GER and TAM should be calculated in neutral and pronated positions, considering that 80% of the players have a demonstrated difference between 8° and 12°. Clinical Relevance: Measurement of GERP more accurately reflects the GER required in throwing, allows better quantification of the motion capacity necessary to withstand the loads in throwing, and may suggest interventions for at risk athletes.

scholarly journals Indicators of competitive activity of the strongest female fighters of mixed martial arts MMA

2021 ◽  
pp. 69-83
Author(s):  
Y. Tropin ◽  
M. Latyshev ◽  
A. Pylypet`s ◽  
V. Ponomaryov
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Martial Arts ◽  
Minimum Weight ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Body ◽  
Mixed Martial Arts ◽  
Weight Category ◽  
Competitive Activity ◽  
Female Fighters ◽  
Competitive Activities

Purpose: to establish indicators of competitive activity of the strongest female fighters of mixed martial arts MMA with TOP-10 regardless of weight. Material and methods. The following methods were used in the study: analysis of scientific and methodological information and Internet sources; generalization of best practices; analysis of protocols and videos of competitive activities of women fighters in the TOP-10, regardless of weight; methods of mathematical statistics. The initial data of the performances of the strongest female fighters in mixed martial arts MMA are taken from the UFC website. Results: analysis of scientific and methodological information, Internet sources and generalization of best practices allowed to establish that the popularity of mixed martial arts MMA in the world and the sharp increase in competition among fighters require timely study of competitive activities of leading athletes to make changes in training and preparation for competitions. The analysis of the rating of the TOP-10 best women fighters regardless of weight showed that it includes four athletes of the lightest and minimum weight category and two women fighters of the lightest weight category. The TOP-10 strongest female mixed martial arts MMA fighters, regardless of weight, include four representatives of the United States, two athletes from Brazil and one fighter from Kyrgyzstan, China, Poland and the Netherlands. Conclusions. The results of the analysis of the competitive activity of the TOP-10 strongest female fighters in mixed martial arts MMA, regardless of weight, showed that the fighters strike more blows per minute (from 2,80 to 6,55) than they miss (from 2,12 to 5,28). The largest number of blows is carried out in the rack (from 48 % to 85 % of the total number of blows), then in the clinch (from 4 % to 43 %) and in the ground (from 1 % to 40 %). Most blows occur in the head (from 41 % to 82 %), then on the body (from 13 % to 38 %) and on the legs (from 3 % to 33 %). The strongest female fighters defend against downdowns more effectively (from 63 % to 100 %) than from blows (from 47 % to 67 %). Attempts to take takedowns in 15 minutes more (from 0,50 to 3,21) than the implementation of submission in 15 minutes (from 0,08 to 1,71). Keywords: mixed martial arts MMA, competitive activity, the strongest female fighters.

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