A new systematic review and meta-analysis has examined the results of 35 research articles to assess the effects of boxing on the brain. The researchers concluded that boxers have a significantly elevated risk of sustaining a concussion compared with other combat sports such as karate and taekwondo.
Data from 631 amateur and professional boxers was analysed, 30% of whom presented with some form of brain atrophy. Dementia or amnesia was observed in over half of the boxers observed (61%), and just over half (51%) had various forms and severities of cognitive disorders.
Limited information on the effectiveness of headguards in boxing was found. The researchers also discuss the possibility of headguards becoming potential strike targets for boxers during bouts, therefore increasing the number of punches attempted to the head and in turn increasing rather than decreasing head trauma.
The researchers conclude that boxing is a hazardous sport that has the potential to have fatal life-changing results.
Limitations of the analysis are described, including the lack of female representation within the review due to very little data being available for female amateur or professional boxers, and insufficient research regarding headguard efficiency.
Reference: Donnelly, R.R., Ugbolue, U.C., Gao, Y., Gu, Y., Dutheil, F., & Baker, J.S. (2023). A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Investigating Head Trauma in Boxing. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 33(6), 658–674.
DOI: 10.1097/JSM.0000000000001195
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