Evidence of dynamic visual acuity impairment in asymptomatic mixed martial arts fighters

Examining the occurrence and outcomes of concussion and mTBI in mixed martial arts athletes: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a sport growing in popularity around the world. However, many individuals participate in the sport with little understanding of the potential short- and long-term consequences of injuries sustained while participating. Specifically, individuals are placed at a high risk of minor traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and concussive episodes as a result of head injuries incurred during training and competition.

AIMS

The current review aimed to examine the literature surrounding the occurrence and outcomes of mTBI in MMA athletes to gain a better understanding of these consequences.

METHODS

Twenty-five studies were identified within the current review, of which 14 examined occurrence of mTBI within the sport setting, and elevenidentified outcomes of injury.

RESULTS

Overall, studies found that MMA athletes experienced mTBI and concussion to a greater extent than athletes in other sports. Deficits in memory, reaction time and processing speed were identified following occurrence of mTBI; however, several gaps in outcome measurement were identified within the current literature, including a lack of focus on speech and language outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Future research should examine a wider variety of outcomes to provide a clearer understanding of the consequences of participating in the sport.

Evaluation of the vestibular/ocular motor screening assessment in active combat sport athletes: an exploratory study

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.