One fairly consistent theme in research about brain injury in MMA is the need for better education about brain health basics in the community. This month another study was published calling for such steps to be taken.
In the recent study, titled “Assessing the Incidence of Head Trauma in Australian Mixed Martial Arts: A Retrospective Analysis of Fight Outcomes” the authors compared fight finishes from KO’s/TKO’s and then contrasted these between weight classes and male and female divisions. Consistent with past research in the topic they found KO/TKO via headstrike finishes higher in the male divisions with heavyweight and light heavyweight classes having the highest percentage of such finishes.
After reviewing several other studies into brain injury rates and practices in MMA the authors noted
“The Association of Ringside Physicians recommends combat sport athletes who lose via KO or TKO be medically suspended from competition and sparring for a set period, with the minimum timeframe of
30 days…despite the recommendation for medical suspension, approximately 60% of athletes will return to sport, including the participation of sparring, within 48 hours of a concussion and while symptomatic“
In calling for better brain health education to help address these concerning practices the authors had the following to say
“educating coaches and athletes can enhance concussion awareness, encourage the reporting of concussion symptoms, and potentially lead to adjustments in training routines including altered sparring session frequencies“
Combat Sports Law 