Fighting to keep a sport safe: toward a structured and sport-specific return to play protocol.
Combat sports are growing in popularity, viewership, and participation. The nature of these sports involves repetitive head contact, yet unlike most other professional contact sports, there are no endorsed guidelines or mandates for graduated and systematic return to play following concussion. Here, we review the literature related to concussion and fighting sports, and propose guidelines for concussion management and safe return to play following concussion.
a Banner Concussion and Sports Medicine Center , Banner University Medical Center-Phoenix , Phoenix , AZ , USA.
Bryce
B
Nalepa
a Banner Concussion and Sports Medicine Center , Banner University Medical Center-Phoenix , Phoenix , AZ , USA.
Amy
A
Alexander
a Banner Concussion and Sports Medicine Center , Banner University Medical Center-Phoenix , Phoenix , AZ , USA.
Sarah
S
Schodrof
b Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Cleveland Clinic , Las Vegas , NV , USA.
Charles
C
Bernick
a Banner Concussion and Sports Medicine Center , Banner University Medical Center-Phoenix , Phoenix , AZ , USA.
Jamie
J
Pardini
D001265:Athletic Injuries; D001914:Boxing; D001924:Brain Concussion; D006257:Head; D006801:Humans; D016139:Martial Arts; D000068958:Return to Sport; D012449:Safety
Concussion; MMA; boxing; fighting sports; mTBI; return to exertion; return to play; traumatic brain injury