Nutrition in Combat Sports

158 M. Zetaruk
the head, while among amateurs and professionals who engaged in full-contact kickboxing,
31–42.5% of all injuries were to the head. [28] This distinction highlights the
impact that level of contact has on potential injury in martial arts.
Boxing has ignited many debates regarding the appropriateness of children to
participate in a sport where the primary objective is intentional head injury. The
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that pediatricians “vigorously
oppose boxing as a sport for any child, adolescent, or young adult” [29] on the
basis that repetitive, sub-concussive blows to the head may lead to chronic neurologic
deficits in a sport where direct blows to the head are rewarded, and the ultimate
victory may be to render the opponent senseless. [29] There have been no
recent studies on head injuries in boxing in childhood. Among adult amateur boxers,
the overall injury rate is comparable to other contact sports; however, the proportion
of injuries to the head is very high (71%), with concussions representing
nearly half (47%) of these head injuries. [30] No studies have assessed the potential
long-term neurologic deficits of childhood participation in boxing. Many authors
advise against head contact in youth combat sports. [2 , 22]
10.5.2 Injuries to the Extremities
10.5.2.1 Contusions/Abrasions
Contusions are very common among children who participate in martial arts. [21]
In striking styles such as karate, kung-fu, and taekwondo, the forearms are used to
block punches and kicks, and, thus full-contact styles have a higher rate of contusions;
Nevertheless, even at a beginner level in noncontact styles contusions may
occur in children. [18 , 20] In some styles of karate (e.g., Uechi-ryu), body-toughening
exercises may result in bruising of the forearms as well. [20] Contusions are
frequently encountered in throwing sports such as judo and aikido. [18 , 21]
Breaking boards is a training technique and assessment tool used in taekwondo.
It measures precision and strength of kicks or punches. In a properly executed
technique, the board breaks easily, with little force transmitted to the extremity
involved. Children typically break thinner boards than adults. Approximately half
of injuries that result from breaking boards are contusions or abrasions in children
presenting to emergency departments. [21]
10.5.2.2 Fractures/Physeal Injuries
Fractures occur in combat sports that focus on kicking and punching, such as karate
and taekwondo, as well as those that involve throwing and grappling, such as judo
and aikido. Approximately 25% of all martial arts injuries presenting to pediatric
emergency departments are fractures. [21] One risk associated with breaking boards
is fracture of the extremity involved in the breaking technique. In pediatric emergency
departments, over one third of injuries due to breaking boards are fractures. [21]