Impact of repeated sportive chokes on carotid intima media thickness and brain injury biomarkers in grappling athletes.

PURPOSE: Vascular neck compression techniques, referred to as 'chokes' in combat sports, reduce cerebral perfusion, causing loss of consciousness or voluntary submission by the choked athlete. Despite these chokes happening millions of times yearly around the world, there is scant research on their long-term effects. This pilot study evaluated whether repeated choking in submission grappling impacts the carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and brain injury biomarkers (NFL, hGFAP, t-Tau, and UCH-L1). METHODS: Participants (n = 39, 29 male; ages 27-60 years) were assigned to one of two study arms: Grapplers (n = 20, 15 male) and 19 age/sex/body size matched controls. Grapplers had been exposed to >500 choke events while training for >5 years in a choke-inclusive sport. Exclusion criteria were recent TBI or deficits from a past TBI or stroke. Bilateral ultrasound measurement of the CIMT was performed, and blood was collected for quantitative analysis of four brain injury markers. Subgroup analyses were performed within the Grappler group to account for blunt head trauma as a possible confounder. RESULTS: There was no overall difference in CIMT measurements between Grapplers (mean 0.55 mm, SD 0.07) and Controls (mean 0.57 mm, SD 0.10) p = 0.498 [95% CI -0.04-0.08], nor were there CIMT differences between Grappler subgroups of blunt Trauma and No-Trauma. There were no significant differences in any biomarkers comparing Grapplers and Controls or comparing Grappler subgroups of Trauma and No-Trauma. CONCLUSION: This study found no significant difference in CIMT and serum brain injury biomarkers between controls and grapplers with extensive transient choke experience, nor between grapplers with extensive past blunt head trauma and those without.

Moral persuasion for value-laden objections to human papillomavirus vaccination.

The martial art of jiu jitsu capitalizes on the strength of a sparring partner by redirecting their momentum. Jiu jitsu persuasion similarly redirects the concerns motivating an objection in a manner that undermines the objection. This method of persuasion effectively addresses criticisms that motivate vaccine hesitancy, including moral criticisms. Critics argue that human papillomavirus vaccination causes young women to become more promiscuous. Evidence undermines this objection, but such evidence fails to persuade many objectors because of countervailing moral concerns regarding promiscuity. Healthcare professionals, therefore, need to consider supplementing evidence with moral arguments against the objection, using a framework that appeals to the core values motivating vaccine objections. A jiu jitsu model of persuasion is one such framework. By employing a jiu jitsu model healthcare professionals can facilitate collaborative, normative discussion that persuades more objectors and fulfills healthcare professionals' obligations with respect to patient care vis-à-vis vaccination.

Pneumothorax Secondary to a Traumatic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Injury.

A pneumothorax is a medical condition characterized by the presence of free air in the pleural cavity. Pneumothorax can be classified as spontaneous, traumatic, or iatrogenic. Spontaneous pneumothorax sustained from a jiu-jitsu-induced blunt trauma has not been described in any sports literature. This case report involves a 26-year-old male athlete who presented to the emergency room complaining of right-sided chest pain in the recumbent position and shortness of breath upon exertion. Breath sounds were diminished on the right with hyper resonance to percussion. Inspection of the chest revealed diffuse erythema on the right side. A chest X-ray revealed a right tension pneumothorax that was treated with a 20-French chest tube. This report aims to highlight the importance of recognizing the possibility of pneumothorax in jiu-jitsu athletes, implementing early treatment, and exploring potential causes of pneumothorax in otherwise healthy individuals.

Does Grappling Combat Sports Experience Influence Exercise Tolerance of Handgrip Muscles in the Severe-Intensity Domain?

Successful performance in grappling combat sports (GCS) can be influenced by the fighter's capacity to sustain high-intensity contractions of the handgrip muscles during combat. This study investigated the influence of GCS experience on the critical torque (CT), impulse above CT (W'), tolerance, and neuromuscular fatigue development during severe-intensity handgrip exercise by comparing fighters and untrained individuals. Eleven GCS fighters and twelve untrained individuals participated in three experimental sessions for handgrip muscles: (1) familiarization with the experimental procedures and strength assessment; (2) an all-out test to determine CT and W'; and (3) intermittent exercise performed in the severe-intensity domain (CT + 15%) until task failure. No significant differences were found in CT and neuromuscular fatigue between groups (p > 0.05). However, GCS fighters showed greater W' (GCS fighters 2238.8 ± 581.2 N·m·s vs. untrained 1670.4 ± 680.6 N·m·s, p < 0.05) and exercise tolerance (GCS fighters 8.38 ± 2.93 min vs. untrained 5.36 ± 1.42 min, p < 0.05) than untrained individuals. These results suggest that long-term GCS sports training can promote increased tolerance to severe-intensity handgrip exercise and improved W' without changes in CT or the magnitude of neuromuscular fatigue.

Increasing trend in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu injuries presenting to U.S. emergency departments - a 10-year analysis and injury profile.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate injury trends in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) participation by presenting to U.S. emergency departments over a 10-year period and formulate an injury profile. METHODS: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database was queried for martial arts related injuries from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2021. Codes and narratives were examined to compile data for patients sustaining BJJ-related injuries. RESULTS: From 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2021 there were 7,722 (NE = 282,315) ED-diagnosed martial arts related injuries with 911 (NE = 36,023) BJJ-related injuries identified. Regression analysis demonstrated an increasing trend in the annual incidence of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu injuries presenting to the ED (R2 = 0.934; SE = 2.069: p < .0001). Average age was 25.68 years of age (range 4-83). The most common injury diagnoses were sprains/strains and other/not listed at 27.68% and 26.39%. The most commonly injured body parts were the upper trunk, and the shoulder comprising 13.66% and 12.14% of injured body parts, respectively. The most commonly fractured region was toes, at 14.15% of all fractures. The most common dislocations occurred at the shoulder and knee, at 32.49% and 28.45% of dislocations, respectively. The most common mechanisms of injury specifically identified were indeterminate contact between players, fall onto ground, or fall onto another player comprising 18.62% and 17.17%, of injuries, respectively. CONCLUSION: There was an increasing trend of BJJ-related injuries presenting to U.S. Emergency Departments. The most common diagnoses and body parts injured were sprains/strains and upper trunk and shoulder, respectively. The most commonly fractured and dislocated regions were toes and shoulder, respectively. The most common mechanisms of injury were indeterminate contact or falling. This study provides novel information concerning trends in injury and injury profiles for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu related injuries.

Lateral preference in complex combat situations: Prevalence and relationship with general measures of hand and foot preference.

Laterality is considered relevant to performance in combat sports with particular emphasis being placed on fighters' handedness and combat stance. Such approach, however, may fall too short to understand the role of laterality in sports where fighters are allowed to use their hands and feet standing and on the ground. Here, we referred to grappling sports (i) to estimate lateral preferences in selected combat situations and (ii) to test for an association between those preferences and common measures of hand and foot preference. Based on the responses of 135 experienced grapplers who participated in an online questionnaire lateral preference, at the group-level, was revealed in 12 out of 18 combat situations. At an item-level, common measures of lateral preference and grappling-specific lateral preference were related in three out of 36 conditions (footedness only, not handedness). Across items, scores in a grappling-specific laterality index were positively related with foot but not with hand preference scores. Implications for the assessment of lateral preference in combat sports and the use of item-specific terminology in this context are discussed. On a broader scale, we also elaborate on potential consequences of our findings with regard to evolutionary explanations of the maintenance of left-handedness in humans.

An epidemiological study of martial arts injuries in patients presenting to US emergency rooms.

INTRODUCTION: With the advent of mixed martial arts (MMA) growing in popularity, there has been a described increase in its participation. The term MMA generally describes the hybridization of combat disciplines including but not limited to: karate, judo, jiu-jitsu, wrestling, taekwondo, boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. With increased participation in MMA and martial arts, differing physical demands are placed on participants. Due to the physical nature of combat sports, there are injuries associated with participation. The purpose of this study is to report the incidence and characteristics of injuries seen from various martial art disciplines presenting to United States Emergency Rooms in order to educate participants and providers alike about risks assumed with participating in martial arts. METHODS: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database was queried for martial arts-related injuries from 2009 to 2019. Cases were examined and data including patient age and gender, injury type and location, hospital disposition, and type of martial arts practiced were extracted. RESULTS: A total of 8,400 injuries were recorded, leading to a national estimate of 310,143 martial-arts related injuries over the 11 year period of 2009-2019 (95 % CI 239,063-381,223). The most common types of injuries were strains/sprains (n = 2664, 31.7 %), fractures (n = 1,575, 18.8 %), and contusions/abrasions (n = 1,698, 20.2 %). There were 260 dislocations, with shoulder dislocations being most common (n = 96, 36.9 %). Lower extremities were affected more frequently than upper extremities (n = 3566, 42.5 % versus n = 3026, 36.0 %), with the knee being the single most common location of injury (n = 811, 9.7 %). Males more commonly sustained fractures (19.7 % versus 17.4 %, p = 0.03) and dislocations (3.5 % versus 2.4 %, p = 0.01) when compared to females. Ankle injuries were more common in females than males (10.4 % versus 6.0 %, p < 0.001). Only 2.2 % of patients required admission to the hospital. Risk factors for admission included patients >35 years of age and male sex. CONCLUSION: Martial arts injuries are a significant source of musculoskeletal injuries among patients presenting to US emergency rooms. Lower extremity injuries are seen most frequently, with patients rarely requiring hospital admission. Using this information, both providers and participants may be better equipped to make educated decisions on injury prevention and treatment.

Analysis of grip specificity on force production in grapplers and its effect on bilateral deficit grip specificity and bilateral deficit in force production among grapplers.

The use of strength training is important for athletes in combat sports such as judo and jiu-jitsu. Specificity is key when prescribing strength training programs for athletes, considering maximal strength, muscular power and strength-endurance. Grappling combat sports require grip control, which is necessary to execute throwing techniques and groundwork. The aim of this study was to verify the bilateral strength deficit in general and in grappling combat sport-specific action in the control group and grapplers. A sample of 73 subjects, divided into 2 groups, was used: the Student Group (15 females and 16 males) and the Grappler Group (29 males and 13 females). The male and female participants attended four laboratory sessions over a 48-hour interval, the first two to familiarize themselves with the Electromechanical Functional Dynamometer (EMFD), and the last two to collect maximal isometric strength data, using a standard grip and a judo/jiujitsu specific grip. Significant differences in mean and peak forces (p < 0.001) were found, with high performance combat sport athletes having greater maximal isometric strength compared to students both bilaterally and unilaterally (p < 0.001). All comparisons also indicated higher values for males compared to females (p < 0.001). The results suggest that specific training in combat sports as well as sex differences play a significant role in maximal isometric strength performance. The type of grip used affects the application of force in the upper limb isometric strength tests, finding a main effect of grip type (p < 0.001), with the standard grip obtaining higher levels. However, the dominance between hands remains constant. More research is needed on specific judogi/jiu-jitsu-gi grips and their impact on maximal isometric strength with the EMFD.

Heart Rate Recovery (HRR%) Variation by Position and Measurement Time After Imitation Sparring in Male Jiu-Jitsu Trainees with White Belt / Variación de la frecuencia cardíaca (HRR%) por posición y tiempo de medición después del combate de imitación en aprendices masculinos de Jiu-Jitsu con cinturón blanco

This study measured the physiological response caused by the attack and defence of the top and bottom positions in the Jiu-jitsu game with heart rate to investigate the recovery trend between each position using heart rate recovery (%). The subjects of this study were eight white belt men with more than one year of training experience in the adult division of the Jujitsu competition (from 19 to 29 years). Four teams, each consisting of two people, were selected and experimented by cross-allocation. The sparring was performed in three rounds of five minutes, assuming the competition and the rest time was applied the same as the sparring time. Each position's heart rate recovery rate (%) measurement was based on the heart rate level just before each round. The heart rate of thirty seconds, one, two, three, four, and five minutes immediately after each round (sparring) was measured and expressed in %. The results are as follows: First, the heart rate level immediately after sparring between positions showed a high heart rate level in the bottom position immediately after all rounds (sparring). Second, it was found that the bottom position performed exercise under higher physiological conditions than the top position, and the heart rate recovery tended to rapidly decrease in the bottom position at the same rest time. Third, resting heart rate appears to predict heart rate recovery.(AU)

Identification and description of the sociomotor sub-roles and the Ludogram of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Introduction: Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) was conceived to be an oppositional sociomotor practice with an emphasis on self-defense, but throughout the 20th century, BJJ gained sporting features, modifying its internal logic (IL). In BJJ, the richness of the motor itineraries can be revealed in the different sociomotor sub-roles. Considering the absence of research that identifies and describes the sub-roles and the Ludogram of BJJ, the following question was asked: how can the Ludogram of sociomotor sub-roles of Brazilian jiu-jitsu be systematized in accordance with its internal logic? Methods: This work is characterized as theoretical research that is dedicated to rebuilding theories and concepts with a view, in immediate terms, to improving theoretical foundations. In this study, a theoretical reconstruction of BJJ's operating dynamics was carried out, identifying roles and sub-roles, culminating in the construction of a Ludogram. The praxeological analysis was divided in two stages: (1) Description of the BJJ sub-roles based on sports rules and video analysis; (2) Systematization of the BJJ Ludogram. Eight public videos with unrestricted access were selected of fights from the 2018 BJJ World Championship. The sample was considered based on the following criteria: convenience, typicality, and saturation. Results and Discussion: The 26 identified and described sub-roles of BJJ indicate the richness of choices and possible paths to be followed by fighters within this itinerary of motor interaction. These different BJJ sub-roles described in this research highlight the importance of the concept of praxis communication, specifically, motor counter-communication, since many of the dynamics between a fighter's subroles refer to the choices that the opponent indicates for the motor dialogue. BJJ requires from fighters incessant activations on aspects related to sociomotor intelligence, such as the need for sociomotor empathy, motor strategy, to anticipate anticipations, pre-acting, developing the capacity to make motor decisions, to recognize the affective, cognitive, relational, and organic loads activated during the fight, and to develop their motor conduct. In this sense, the Ludogram was elaborated, which enables future praxeological analyses of the sub-roles and motor conducts of any subject who wants to assume the sociomotor role of a BJJ fighter according to the rules of this Brazilian combat sport.

Injuries Common to the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Practitioner.

BACKGROUND: Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that focuses on ground combat, emphasizing skill over strength and submission over striking. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the nature of injuries affecting practitioners of BJJ in the settings of competition, training, and conditioning. METHODS: An online survey was created to collect demographic and injury-specific information. This survey was distributed to the 234 schools in the United States registered with the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). The survey was also distributed to local BJJ schools and at local tournaments in the Greater New York City area. Data from a total of N=56 participants were recorded for this survey. RESULTS: The majority of participants were male (n=44, 78.6%) and amateur competitors (n=29, 51.8%) with an average duration of BJJ training of 6.9 ± 5.9 years. The majority of participants (82.1%) train at least six hours per week and compete in an average of 4.6 ± 2.5 competitions per year. The most common injuries were to the finger/hand (78.6%) and knee (61.5%). The most commonly reported fracture was of the hand/fingers (n=6). Of the 156 total injuries reported, 133 (85.3%) occurred during practice or training rather than in competition and 76 (48.7%) required medical attention. Few injuries required surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides novel information regarding injury characteristics of BJJ practitioners with respect to the level of training and use of protective equipment that can guide expectations and management for this unique group of athletes. Amateur BJJ practitioners are the most commonly injured, and largely experience injuries of the upper extremities during training or conditioning rather than during competition.

Prevalência de quadros álgicos em praticantes de brazilian jiu-jitsu / Prevalence of algic conditions in brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners / Prevalencia de condiciones álgicas em practicantes brazilian de jiu-jitsu

Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência de queixas álgicas em praticantes de Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), as queixas que levaram ao afastamento dos treinamentos e as queixas de lesões prévias. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, observacional e descritivo que incluiu praticantes regulares de BJJ do sexo masculino, com idades entre 18 e 40 anos. Foi elaborado um questionário para identificar o perfil dos praticantes: idade, graduação, tempo de prática da arte marcial, frequência de treinos, prática de outras atividades física e frequência. Para a investigação das queixas álgicas, foi aplicado o Questionário Nórdico de Sintomas Osteomusculares ­ QNSO, versão em português adaptada. Os dados foram registrados no programa Microsoft Excel 365 e foi realizada estatística descritiva. Resultados: Os 52 participantes da pesquisa possuíam idade média de 32 anos e tempo médio de 9 anos de prática de Jiu-Jitsu, 50% deles possuía graduação de faixa azul. Os praticantes apresentaram 45 relatos de queixas na semana anterior a aplicação do QNSO, 76 relatos no ano anterior, 43 relatos que levaram os praticantes a se afastarem do treinamento e 20 relatos de lesões prévias no ano anterior. Conclusão: A maior prevalência de queixas nos 7 dias prévios a aplicação do QNSO, ocorreu em joelhos, coluna lombar e quadril-coxas, e nos 12 meses prévios ocorreu em joelhos, coluna lombar e ombros. A maior prevalência que levou os praticantes ao afastamento dos treinamentos nos 12 meses prévios ocorreu em joelhos, coluna lombar e tornozelo-pés, e as queixas de lesões prévias ocorreram em joelhos, punhos e ombros.

Objective: To identify the prevalence of pain complaints in Brazilian Jiu- Jitsu (BJJ) practitioners, the complaints that led to withdrawal from training and the complaints of previous injuries. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational and descriptive study that included regular male BJJ practitioners aged between 18 and 40 years. A basic questionnaire was created to collect variables: age, graduation, time practicing martial art, frequency of training, practice of other physical activities and frequency. For the investigation of pain complaints, the Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal Symptoms - NQSO, adapted Portuguese version, was applied. Data were recorded in the Microsoft Excel 365 program and descriptive statistics were performed. Results: The 52 research participants had average an age of 32 years old and average time of 9 years of BJJ practice, 50% of them were blue belt graduation. The practitioners presented 45 reports of complaints in the week before the application of NQSO, 76 reports in previous year, 43 reports that led to withdrawal training and 20 reports of previous injuries in the previous year. Conclusion: The highest prevalence of complaints in the previous 7 days of the application of NQSO occurred in the knees, lumbar spine and hip- thighs, and in the previous 12 months occurred in the knees, lumbar spine and shoulders. The major prevalence that led to withdrawal training in the previous 12 month occurred in the knees, lumbar spine and ankle-foots, and the complaints of previous injuries occurred in the knees, wrists and shoulders.

Objetivo: Identificar la prevalencia de quejas de dolor en practicantes de Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), las quejas que llevaron a la retirada del entrenamiento y las quejas de lesiones anteriores. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio transversal, observacional y descriptivo que incluyó practicantes regulares de BJJ del sexo masculino, con edades entre 18 y 40 años. Se elaboró un cuestionario para identificar el perfil de los practicantes: edad, grado, tiempo de práctica del arte marcial, frecuencia de entrenamiento, práctica de otras actividades físicas y frecuencia. Para la investigación de las quejas de dolor, se aplicó el Cuestionario Nórdico de Síntomas Musculoesqueléticos ­ CNSO, versión portuguesa adaptada. Los datos se registraron en el programa Microsoft Excel 365 y se realizó estadística descriptiva. Resultados: Los 52 participantes de la investigación tenían una edad promedio de 32 años y un tiempo promedio de práctica de BJJ de 9 años, el 50% de ellos tenían graduación de cinturón azul. Los practicantes presentaron 45 reportes de denuncias en la semana anterior a la aplicación de la CNSO, 76 reportes en el año anterior, 43 reportes que llevaron a los practicantes a retirarse del entrenamiento y 20 reportes de lesiones anteriores en el año anterior. Conclusión: La mayor prevalencia de quejas en los 7 días previos a la aplicación de la CNSO se presentó en rodillas, columna lumbar y cadera-muslos, y en los 12 meses anteriores se presentó en rodillas, columna lumbar y hombros. La prevalencia más alta que llevó a los practicantes a retirarse del entrenamiento en los 12 meses anteriores ocurrió en rodillas, columna lumbar y tobillo-pie, y las quejas de lesiones previas ocurrieron en rodillas, muñecas y hombros.

Differences in Body Balance According to Body Mass Classification among Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes.

Background: Body weight is an important aspect in the development of components of physical fitness that can affect athletic performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in body balance of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) athletes according to body mass classification: underweight/normal weight (UW/NW); overweight/obese (OW/OB). Material and Methods: The study was conducted among 69 BJJ athletes (age 23.26 ± 3.53) and 93 non-practicing adults (age 21.73 ± 2.32). This study was based on a quantitative assessment of body balance on the Zebris PDM platform during two tests, i.e., with eyes open and closed. Results: The total path of the center of pressure (COP TTL) was significantly higher in participants with UW/NW compared to those with OW/OB, both in participants from the study group and control group (p < 0.001). COP TTL was significantly lower in UW/NW BJJ athletes than in participants in the control group with the same BMI category (987.4 mm vs. 1238.5 mm and 1080.59 mm vs. 1280.70 mm, respectively) (p < 0.001). Conclusions. BJJ training is associated with a better balance in terms of COP TTL in the case of people with normal or underweight. The presence of excess body weight has a positive effect on lower COP TTL values in both practicing and non-practicing people.

Cervical Artery Dissections and Ischemic Strokes Associated with Vascular Neck Compression Techniques (Sportive Chokes).

BACKGROUND: Strangulation as a fight-finishing maneuver in combat sports, termed "choking" in that context, occurs worldwide millions of times yearly. This activity can be trained safely, but devastating injuries can occur. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to present a case series of cervical artery dissections and ischemic strokes associated with sportive choking. Sharing these cases is meant to draw awareness, to assist emergency physicians in caring for these athletes, and to provide a platform for further research. METHODS: Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. Participants consented for medical information transfer and anonymous academic reproduction. The minimum medical record information necessary for inclusion was a report of diagnosis-confirming advanced imaging. Participants were contacted for primary information in addition to what the medical records could provide and to confirm some information in the record (e.g., pertinent medical history, demographic characteristics, choking event description, medical care, and commentary on their current health). Medical records and additional first-hand information were reviewed and participants were included if they had a diagnosed dissection or stroke likely associated with a sportive choke. RESULTS: Ten cases met all criteria for inclusion. There were 5 cases of carotid artery dissection, 3 cases of vertebral artery dissection, and 2 cases of ischemic stroke without dissection. Nine of 10 participants survived and 3 of 10 have returned to submission grappling training. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical artery dissections and ischemic strokes can occur in association with sportive choking. Emergency physicians must be aware of the widespread nature of this activity and must be vigilant in approaching management of patients with symptoms consistent with these injuries.

Comparison of the Physical Fitness Profile of Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes with Reference to Training Experience.

BACKGROUND: In combat sports, successful competition and training require comprehensive motor fitness. The aim of this study was to diagnose the level of physical fitness and to determine the level of differences between athletes of combat sports characterized by stand-up fighting, such as Muay Thai; and ground fighting, such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu. METHODS: The study examined and compared 30 participants divided into two equal groups: Muay Thai athletes (n = 15; age: 24.24 ± 3.24; body height: 174.91 ± 5.19; body weight: 77.56 ± 7.3), and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) (n = 15; age: 22.82 ± 1.81; body height: 175.72 ± 7.03; body weight: 77.11 ± 8.12). Basic characteristics of the somatic build were measured. Selected manifestations of the motor potential of motor skills were also evaluated using selected tests from the EUROFIT test battery, the International Test of Physical Fitness, and computer tests of coordination skills. Relative strength and maximal anaerobic work (MAW) indices were calculated. The strength of the relationship between the effect of motor fitness and training experience was also assessed. RESULTS: The athletes of both groups (Muay Thai and BJJ) presented similar levels of basic characteristics of the somatic build. Motor fitness in the tested groups showed significant differences between the athletes of these sports in static strength (p = 0.010), relative strength (p = 0.006), arm muscle strength in pull-ups (p = 0.035), and functional strength in bent arm hanging (p = 0.023). Higher levels of these components of motor fitness were found for the athletes in the BJJ athletes. In the Muay Thai group, significant very high strength of association was found between training experience and five strength tests. Furthermore, a significantly high strength of association was found in two tests. In the BJJ group, significant relationships with very high correlation were found between the variables in five strength tests. CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes performed better in strength tests (static strength, relative strength, shoulder girdle strength, functional strength). High correlations between the training load and the level of physical fitness were found in flexibility and strength tests in BJJ athletes and most strength tests in Muay Thai athletes.

Uric Acid and Cortisol Levels in Plasma Correlate with Pre-Competition Anxiety in Novice Athletes of Combat Sports.

Pre-competition anxiety is very prevalent in novice athletes, causing stress and drastic decreases in their performances. Cortisol plays a central role in the psychosomatic responses to stress and also in the physiology of strenuous exercise. Growing evidence links uric acid, an endogenous antioxidant, with oxidative stress and anxiety, as observed in many depressive-related disorders. We here compared anxiety inventory scores (BAI and CSAI-2), cortisol and biomarkers of oxidative stress in the plasma of novice combat athletes (white and blue belts) before and after their first official national competition, when levels of stress are presumably high. Although the novice fighters did not reveal high indexes of anxiety on questionnaires, significant correlations were confirmed between cortisol and cognitive anxiety (Pearson's r = 0.766, p-value = 0.002, and a 'strong' Bayesian inference; BF10 = 22.17) and between pre-post changes of plasmatic uric acid and somatic anxiety (r = 0.804, p < 0.001, and 'very strong' inference; BF10 = 46.52). To our knowledge, this is the first study to report such strong correlations between uric acid and pre-competition anxiety in novice combat athletes. The cause-consequence association between these indexes cannot be directly inferred here, although the interplay between uric acid and anxiety deserves further investigation.

Analysis of the fight-ending chokes in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship™ mixed martial arts promotion.

OBJECTIVE: Knowledge of sportive chokes is vital to the practice of Sports Medicine when providing care at mixed martial arts and submission grappling events. This is a descriptive analysis of fight-ending chokes to help provide data on the topic not previously presented. METHODS: An analysis was done on every fight-ending choke in the history of the UFC™ mixed martial arts promotion. Investigators focused on the frequency of chokes, types of chokes, handedness of the chokes, and whether chokes resulted in loss of consciousness. This analysis was done using existing fight outcome reports and video analysis of every choke that ended a fight in UFC™ history. RESULTS: During the study period there were 904 such chokes, comprising 15.5% of fight outcomes and 76.2% of grappling submissions. The makeup of right (50.1%) and left (49.9%) handedness of the chokes has been essentially identical (χ2 [1] = 0.0011, p =.947, phi =.00). Most of the fight-ending chokes culminated in voluntary submission; however, 11% resulted in loss of consciousness. The rear naked choke (RNC) was significantly more frequent than other chokes, comprising 49.1% of the total choke finishes; 19 other choke types accounted for the remaining 50.9%. CONCLUSION: Fight-ending chokes have been common in MMA. Many types of chokes have successfully ended UFC™ fights, with the RNC accounting for almost half of fight-ending chokes. Loss of consciousness occurred in 11% of fight-ending chokes. Right and left handed chokes were utilized equally.

Functional Benefits of Hard Martial Arts for Older Adults: A Scoping Review.

The present scoping review focused upon the functional benefits of hard martial arts training for older adults. The AXIS Critical Appraisal Tool was used to appraise all studies included in the review. A systematic literature search identified 265 papers via electronic database and ten papers from additional sources. Of these, six studies featuring 240 participants were included in the final scoping review. Of the included studies, three were randomized control trials and three were comparative studies with concurrent controls. The available studies outlined improvements in functional fitness parameters for older adults participating in hard martial arts training (strength 9.3-34%; mobility 9.5-13.6%; aerobic endurance 13.4%; flexibility 11.1-316.7%; balance 20.5%). However, inconsistencies in training stimulus and a limited number of studies highlight the need for further research before hard martial arts can be recommended for older adults. Based upon the limited available literature, to improve functional fitness, hard martial arts training should be conducted for 60 to 90 minutes, at least twice a week for a minimum of eleven weeks.

Elevated cerebral perfusion and preserved cognition in elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes: Evidence for neuroprotection.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a popular martial art that exposes participants to recurrent intermittent asphyxiation due to controlled application of neck chokes. To what extent the sport impacts the regulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) and cognition has not been examined. This study compared eleven elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes (aged 30 ± 8 y) who trained 12 ± 6 hours/week for 8 ± 4 years against eleven cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF)- and age-matched controls. Internal carotid (ICA) and vertebral artery (VA) blood flow were measured via duplex ultrasound to determine global cerebral blood flow (gCBF). Mild cognitive impairment and sub-domains of memory, attention/concentration/visual motor coordination, and executive function were determined by psychometric testing. There was no evidence of mild cognitive impairment in the athletes, and cognitive function was comparable between groups (all p > 0.05). In contrast, resting gCBF was selectively elevated in the athletes (741 ± 186 mL∙min-1 vs. 573 ± 166 mL∙min-1 , p = 0.037) due to combined differences in ICA (+65 mL∙min-1 , p = 0.079) and VA (+19 mL∙min-1 , p = 0.277) flow. In conclusion, the sustained elevation in resting cerebral perfusion provides preliminary evidence for adaptive neuroprotection that is independent of CRF and likely mediated by choke-induced cerebral preconditioning and/or lifelong exposure to BJJ-specific high-intensity interval training.