Abstract
Objective To evaluate the relationship between professional fighter weight class and neuropsychiatric outcomes.
Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common source of functional impairment among athletes, military personnel, and the general population. Professional fighters in both boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) are at particular risk for repetitive TBI and may provide valuable insight into both the pathophysiology of TBI and its consequences. Currently, effects of fighter weight class on brain volumetrics (regional and total) and functional outcomes are unknown.
Design/Methods n = 53 boxers and n = 103 MMA fighters participating in the Professional Fighters Brain Health Study (PRBHS) underwent volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neuropsychological testing. Fighters were divided into lightweight (=139.9 lb), middleweight (140.0–178.5 lb), and heavyweight (>178.5 lb).
Results Compared with lightweight fighters, heavyweights displayed greater yearly reductions in regional brain volume (boxers: bilateral thalami; MMA: left thalamus, right putamen) and functional performance (boxers: processing speed, simple and choice reaction; MMA: Trails A and B tests). Lightweights suffered greater reductions in regional brain volume on a per-fight basis (boxers: left thalamus; MMA: right putamen). Heavyweight fighters bore greater yearly burden of regional brain volume and functional decrements, possibly related to differing fight dynamics and force of strikes in this division. Lightweights demonstrated greater volumetric decrements on a per-fight basis.
Conclusions Although more research is needed, greater per-fight decrements in lightweights may be related to practices of weight-cutting, which may increase vulnerability to neurodegeneration post-TBI. Observed decrements associated with weight class may result in progressive impairments in fighter performance, suggesting interventions mitigating the burden of TBI in professional fighters may both improve brain health and increase professional longevity.
Footnotes
Disclosure: Mr. Bray has nothing to disclose. Mr. Tsai has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bryant has nothing to disclose. The institution of an immediate family member of Dr. Narapareddy has received research support from NIH. Ms. Richey has nothing to disclose. Mr. Krieg has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bernick has received personal compensation in the range of $500–$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Biogen. Dr. Bernick has received personal compensation in the range of $500–$4,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for Biogen. Dr. Bernick has received stock or an ownership interest from Aurora. The institution of Dr. Bernick has received research support from UFC. The institution of Dr. Bernick has received research support from Top Rank Promotions. The institution of Dr. Bernick has received research support from Haymon Boxing. The institution of Dr. Bernick has received research support from Las Vegas Raiders. The institution of Dr. Bernick has received research support from Professional Bull Riders. Dr. Peters has nothing to disclose.
- © 2021 American Academy of Neurology
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