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Brown DA, Gross G. Assessing the Incidence of Head Trauma in Australian Mixed Martial Arts: A Retrospective Analysis of Fight Outcomes. Sports Health 2024:19417381241263332. [PMID: 39095970 DOI: 10.1177/19417381241263332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mixed martial arts (MMA) is experiencing a surge in popularity in Australia. Previous research has suggested knockout (KO) and technical knockout (TKO) are frequent outcomes during competition, raising concern about the brain health of athletes. This study aims to describe fight outcomes in Australian MMA and to explore differences in fight-ending outcomes between male and female athletes, amateur and professional competition, and different weight classes. HYPOTHESIS There is no difference in the incidence of KO/TKO between level of competition, sex, and weight class. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive epidemiology study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 3. METHODS Retrospective analysis of 143 Australian MMA events from 2020 to 2023 was conducted using video replay to assess fight outcomes between sex and level of competition. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine relationships between weight class and KO/TKO fight outcomes. RESULTS Male competition (34%) had a significantly greater number of KO/TKO secondary to head strikes fight outcomes compared with female competition (23%) (P = 0.01). The KO/TKO rate secondary to head strikes for amateur and professional male competition was 16.6 and 18.7 per 100 athlete-exposures (AEs), respectively. The amateur and professional female rate was 12.6 and 7.4 per 100 AEs, respectively. Amateur male light heavyweight and heavyweight, and professional male heavyweight were at greater odds of a KO or TKO compared with other weight classes in their equivalent level of competition. CONCLUSION There is a sex and professional level disparity in the incidence of fight-ending head trauma in Australian MMA. The study findings highlight the urgent need for targeted safety protocols and medical oversight, particularly for men in heavier weight classes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study highlights the need for enhanced safety protocols and medical oversight in Australian MMA, particularly for male athletes in heavier weight divisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Brown
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Nathan, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Garret Gross
- Griffith Sports Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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2
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Vintimilla A, Hooper T, James CR, Lu HC, Natesan K, Kapila J, Sizer P. The Effect of Exercise-Induced Central Fatigue on Cervical Spine Joint Position Error, Strength, and Endurance. Int J Sports Phys Ther 2024; 19:290-300. [PMID: 38439782 PMCID: PMC10909308 DOI: 10.26603/001c.92703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Fatigue is common in sports, impairing performance and increasing injury risk, yet little is known regarding fatigue and concussion. Impaired neck neuromuscular function may contribute to concussion at baseline, where central fatigue may further impair neck function resulting in increased concussion risk. These effects may be magnified in athletes with a history of concussion. Purpose To determine the effect of exercise induced central fatigue on neck joint position error, strength, and endurance in healthy subjects and those with a history of concussion. The investigators hypothesized that EICF would have a negative effect on all variables. Study Design Healthy subjects were examined using a single factor, within-subjects repeated measures design. Concussion history subjects were examined using a single-subject design. Methods Nineteen healthy subjects and five subjects with a history of concussion were recruited for the study. Cervical joint position error, muscle strength, and neck flexor endurance were tested before and after exercise induced fatigue. Results There was a significant increase in constant (p = 0.0027) and absolute joint position error (JPE) (p < 0.001); decrease in neck flexor endurance (p < 0.001); and decrease neck strength into cervical flexion (p = 0.01) in healthy subjects following fatigue. Among concussion history subjects, five demonstrated a significant increase in absolute and constant JPE (p < 0.05); four demonstrated a significant decrease in neck flexor endurance (p < 0.05); one in neck flexion muscle strength (p < 0.05); and three in neck extension and rotation muscle strength (p < 0.05) following fatigue. Conclusions Cervical neuromuscular function deteriorated following fatigue in healthy subjects. Resulting impairments may affect force alterations in cervical control, potentially increasing concussion risk. Concussion history subjects descriptively demonstrated similar results, however further research should examine formal comparisons involving subjects with and without concussion history. Level of Evidence 3b.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Troy Hooper
- Rehabilitation Sciences Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
| | - C Roger James
- Rehabilitation Sciences Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
| | - Ho Cheng Lu
- Rehabilitation Sciences Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
| | - Karthick Natesan
- Rehabilitation Sciences Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
| | - Jeegisha Kapila
- Rehabilitation Sciences Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
| | - Phil Sizer
- Rehabilitation Sciences Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
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Brown DA, Leung FT, Evans K, Grant G, Hides JA. Cervical spine characteristics differ in competitive combat athletes compared with active control participants. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2022; 61:102614. [PMID: 35763910 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injury to the head and neck are common in combat sport athletes. Impairments of the cervical spine have been found in some athletes who participate in sports with high forces and collisions. There is a lack of research on the effects of combat sports on the cervical spine. OBJECTIVE The primary study aim was to investigate differences in cervical spine characteristics between combat athletes and a similarly aged active control group. The secondary aim was to investigate the relationship between symptom-based outcome measures and characteristics of the cervical spine. DESIGN Cross-sectional. METHOD 40 male adult combat sport athletes and 40 male adult control participants were recruited from 4 combat sport clubs and a university campus, Australia. Cervical spine assessments were conducted at a private physiotherapy clinic. The Neck Disability Index and the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale were used as symptom-based outcome measures. RESULTS Combat sport athletes had a reduced range of cervical motion, but greater isometric strength and endurance compared with a control group (p < 0.05). The Neck Disability Index and Post-Concussion Symptom Scale were negatively correlated with cervical spine range of motion and isometric strength, meaning that higher scores correlated with a reduction in function. CONCLUSIONS Differences were observed in characteristics of the cervical spine in combat sport athletes compared with a control group. Higher symptom-based outcome scores correlated with reduced range of motion and strength of cervical spine muscles. Further investigation to establish clinical cut-off scores for functional impairment may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Brown
- School of Health Science and Social Work, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia.
| | - Felix T Leung
- School of Health Science and Social Work, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia.
| | - Kerrie Evans
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, 75 East Street, Lidcombe, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2141, Australia; Healthia Limited, Australia, 25 Montpelier Road, Bowen Hills, QLD, 4006, Australia.
| | - Gary Grant
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 1 Parklands Dr, Southport, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, 4215, Australia.
| | - Julie A Hides
- School of Health Science and Social Work, 170 Kessels Rd, Nathan, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, 4111, Australia.
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Lynall RC, D'Lauro C, Kerr ZY, Knight K, Kroshus E, Leeds DD, Register-Mihalik JK, McCrea M, Broglio SP, McAllister T, Schmidt JD, Hazzard J, Kelly L, Master C, Ortega J, Port N, Campbell D, Svoboda SJ, Putukian M, Chrisman SPD, Clugston JR, Langford D, McGinty G, Cameron KL, Houston MN, Susmarski AJ, Goldman JT, Giza C, Benjamin H, Buckley T, Kaminski T, Feigenbaum L, Eckner JT, Mihalik JP, Anderson S, McDevitt J, Kontos A, Brooks MA, Rowson S, Miles C, Lintner L, O'Donnell PG. Optimizing Concussion Care Seeking: The Influence of Previous Concussion Diagnosis Status on Baseline Assessment Outcomes. Am J Sports Med 2022; 50:3406-3416. [PMID: 35998010 DOI: 10.1177/03635465221118089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of unreported concussions is high, and undiagnosed concussions can lead to worse postconcussion outcomes. It is not clear how those with a history of undiagnosed concussion perform on subsequent standard concussion baseline assessments. PURPOSE To determine if previous concussion diagnosis status was associated with outcomes on the standard baseline concussion assessment battery. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS Concussion Assessment, Research, and Education (CARE) Consortium participants (N = 29,934) self-reported concussion history with diagnosis status and completed standard baseline concussion assessments, including assessments for symptoms, mental status, balance, and neurocognition. Multiple linear regression models were used to estimate mean differences and 95% CIs among concussion history groups (no concussion history [n = 23,037; 77.0%], all previous concussions diagnosed [n = 5315; 17.8%], ≥1 previous concussions undiagnosed [n = 1582; 5.3%]) at baseline for all outcomes except symptom severity and Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) score, in which negative binomial models were used to calculate incidence rate ratios (IRRs). All models were adjusted for sex, race, ethnicity, sport contact level, and concussion count. Mean differences with 95% CIs excluding 0.00 and at least a small effect size (≥0.20), and those IRRs with 95% CIs excluding 1.00 and at least a small association (IRR, ≥1.10) were considered significant. RESULTS The ≥1 previous concussions undiagnosed group reported significantly greater symptom severity scores (IRR, ≥1.38) and BSI-18 (IRR, ≥1.31) scores relative to the no concussion history and all previous concussions diagnosed groups. The ≥1 previous concussions undiagnosed group performed significantly worse on 6 neurocognitive assessments while performing better on only 2 compared with the no concussion history and all previous concussions diagnosed groups. There were no between-group differences on mental status or balance assessments. CONCLUSION An undiagnosed concussion history was associated with worse clinical indicators at future baseline assessments. Individuals reporting ≥1 previous undiagnosed concussions exhibited worse baseline clinical indicators. This may suggest that concussion-related harm may be exacerbated when injuries are not diagnosed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C Lynall
- UGA Concussion Research Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Christopher D'Lauro
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Zachary Y Kerr
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Kristen Knight
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Emily Kroshus
- University of Washington, Department of Pediatrics & Seattle Children's Research Institute, Center for Child, Development and Health, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Daniel D Leeds
- Computer and Information Sciences Department, Fordham University, New York, New York, USA.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Johna K Register-Mihalik
- Matthew Gfeller Sport-Related TBI Research Center & STAR Heel Performance Laboratory, Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Michael McCrea
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Steven P Broglio
- University of Michigan Concussion Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Thomas McAllister
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Julianne D Schmidt
- UGA Concussion Research Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
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- Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Joseph Hazzard
- Department of Exercise Science, Bloomsburg University.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Louise Kelly
- Department of Exercise Science, California Lutheran University.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Christina Master
- Division of Orthopedics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Justus Ortega
- Department of Kinesiology & Recreation Administration, Humboldt State University.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Nicholas Port
- School of Optometry, Indiana University.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Darren Campbell
- Intermountain Sports Medicine.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Steven J Svoboda
- MedStar Orthopaedic Institute.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Margot Putukian
- Athletic Medicine, Princeton University.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Sara P D Chrisman
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - James R Clugston
- Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, University of Florida.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Dianne Langford
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Gerald McGinty
- United States Air Force Academy.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Kenneth L Cameron
- Keller Army Hospital, United States Military Academy.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Megan N Houston
- Keller Army Hospital, United States Military Academy.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Adam James Susmarski
- Department Head Brigade Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, United States Naval Academy.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Joshua T Goldman
- Departments of Family Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Christopher Giza
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Holly Benjamin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Chicago.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Thomas Buckley
- Department of Kinesiology & Applied Physiology, University of Delaware.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Thomas Kaminski
- Department of Kinesiology & Applied Physiology, University of Delaware.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Luis Feigenbaum
- Department of Physical Therapy, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - James T Eckner
- Department of PM&R, University of Michigan.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Jason P Mihalik
- Department of Exercise and Sport Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Scott Anderson
- University of Oklahoma.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Jane McDevitt
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Temple University.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Anthony Kontos
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - M Alison Brooks
- Department of Orthopedics, University of Wisconsin, Madison.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Steve Rowson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Christopher Miles
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Wake Forest University.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Laura Lintner
- Wake Forest School of Medicine Family Medicine, Winston Salem State University.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
| | - Patrick G O'Donnell
- Department of Urology, UMass Memorial Health.,Investigation performed at multiple sites
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Brown DA, Grant G, Evans K, Leung FT, Hides JA. Evaluation of the vestibular/ocular motor screening assessment in active combat sport athletes: an exploratory study. Brain Inj 2022; 36:961-967. [PMID: 35943357 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2022.2109741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The first aim of this study was to compare the results of the vestibular/ocular motor screening (VOMS) in combat sport athletes with a healthy control population. Second, to explore differences between athletes with and without a concussion history. Third, to examine the relationship between VOMS and the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) in combat sport athletes. PARTICIPANTS Forty active male combat sport athletes and 40 healthy male control participants were recruited from 4 clubs and a University in Australia. METHODS Participants completed the VOMS in a primary care physiotherapy clinic. Participants completed an injury questionnaire and the PCSS. RESULTS An "abnormal" score in at least one subtest or near point convergence (NPC) was recorded in 45% of the combat group compared with 22.5% of the control group. All VOMS scores and NPC distance were greater in the combat group compared with control group (p < 0.05). The VOMS scores were found to be moderately positively correlated with the PCSS. There was no difference in VOMS between athletes with and without a history of concussion (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION VOMS scores differed between combat sport athletes and control participants. The PCSS may aid clinicians in identifying athletes who have underlying vestibular/oculomotor impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Brown
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Nathan, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gary Grant
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Kerrie Evans
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, the University of Sydney, Lidcombe, Australia.,Healthia Limited, Bowen Hills, Australia
| | - Felix T Leung
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Nathan, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Julie A Hides
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Nathan, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
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