Epidemiology of injuries in full-contact combat sports

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

As in any sport, there is an inherent risk of injury to practitioners of combative martial arts. Notwithstanding the potential for injury, there has not been a concerted effort to clearly elucidate the injury problem in full-contact combat sports. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the injury incidence, injury pattern, and injury severity in six popular and commonly practiced full-contact combat sports. Data from a total of 47 observational studies suggest that there is a significant injury problem in full-contact combat sports generally. However, the injury incidence rates and injury patterns vary considerably across different styles, which most likely is a reflection of differences in competition rules. Very little is known about the actual severity of injuries in combat sports. Future studies are strongly encouraged to adopt stronger study methodologies.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)14-18
Number of pages5
JournalAustralasian epidemiologist
Volume22
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes

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