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🥋 Chokes and Brain Function in BJJ; Injury Trends in Weightlifting & Youth Basketball Head Contacts
Haresh Suppiah
September 02, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
Welcome, science enthusiasts.
In today’s edition:
Choking in BJJ does not affect cognitive function.
Concussions in youth basketball need stricter penalties.
Exercise ECGs reveal heart risks in athletes over 35.
Jumping strength tests may lack reliability.
2D video analysis revolutionises sports motion tracking.
Ultramarathons cause significant muscle changes.
Lower body weightlifting injury data revealed.
and several more…
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Key finding:
Transient Chokes Do Not Impact Cognitive Functioning in Athletes
What was done:
62 Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes were tested using the King-Devick test before and after experiencing a choke or non-choke submission during sparring sessions.
Results: No significant differences were found in test failures, total test times, or individual difference scores between athletes who experienced choking and those who did not.
Innovation: The study used a well-established cognitive assessment tool to evaluate transient changes in cognitive function following choking episodes.
Findings: The results suggest that transient choking does not impair cognitive functioning as measured by the King-Devick test, differentiating it from other forms of brain injury.
Why it matters:
The findings of this study highlight that transient choking episodes during Brazilian jiu-jitsu do not significantly impair cognitive functioning, as measured by reaction times and test errors. This has important implications for the safety and management of athletes in combat sports, suggesting that the cognitive risks associated with such choking techniques may be lower than previously assumed. By clarifying the effects of choking versus blunt force trauma, this research can influence training protocols and injury prevention strategies, fostering a more informed approach to athlete safety in these high-contact sports.
Key finding:
Head Contact Rates Highlight Need for Improved Basketball Safety
What was done:
The study analyzed 48 youth basketball games using video analysis to compare head contact rates and suspected concussion incidence between boys and girls across two divisions.
Results: No significant differences in head contact rates were found between boys and girls in Division 1, while boys in Division 2 had higher direct head contact rates compared to girls.
Innovation: Utilized advanced video analysis software (Dartfish) to capture and categorize head contacts, allowing for detailed examination of injury mechanisms in youth basketball.
Correlation: A low rate of penalties for illegal head contacts was observed, ranging from 3.9% to 19.7%, indicating a need for stricter enforcement to enhance player safety.
Why it matters:
The findings of this study highlight the prevalence of head contacts and suspected concussions in youth basketball, underscoring an urgent need for stricter enforcement of head contact penalties. By addressing the insufficient penalties currently assessed for illegal head contacts, we can potentially reduce the risk of concussions and long-term health issues among young athletes. This research may catalyze policy changes in sports governance, promoting safer play and better preventive measures across youth sports leagues.
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Curated by Haresh Suppiah