Journal of Clinical Physiotherapy Research

Abstract

Introduction: Considering the importance of rotational acceleration in causing traumatic brain injuries and also the possibility of its greater risk in combat sports, this systematic review study investigated the rotational acceleration produced in head brcase of combat sports in different blows and compared it with the threshold of traumatic brain injuries(TBI). Materials and Methods: In this study, articles were searched in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed and Persian databases. 23 related articles were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Findings showed that the highest rotational acceleration produced in head first was due to the hook impact in boxing without a headgear (11279.5 rad/s2) and second, the spinning kick in taekwondo with a headgear (rad/s2 10927). Hook kick in taekwondo (rad/s2 9756), direct punch in taekwondo (rad/s2 9556) and roundhouse kick in taekwondo (rad/s2 8703) were in the next ranks, respectively. Comparing these accelerations with the threshold of TBI, hook kick in boxing and spinning kick in taekwondo can lead to concussion and severe brain axonal damage, but hook kick, direct punch and roundhouse kick in taekwondo may cause only to concussion. Conclusion: protective headgears in combat sports cannot significantly reduce the speed of rotation and this issue can even increase the rotation acceleration in some sports such as boxing. Therefore, it is suggested that those in charge of this matter and headgear manufacturing companies should pay special attention to this point and take an important step in reducing TBI injuries by re-examining the design of headgears.