Amateur Boxers Risk Brain Injury

According to a study published in the January, 2000 issue of The Physician and Sportsmedicine, participation in amateur boxing my result in decreased mental functioning consistent with acute traumatic brain injury or post-concussion syndrome, at least temporarily, despite use of protective head gear. Boxing competitors in the study sustained a median of 8 punches to the head compared to a control group of amateur boxes matched for weight, age, education, boxing level and frequency of participation. The control group engaged in punching bag activity, receiving no blows to the head prior to neuropsychological testing. Compared to the control group,

the competitors exhibited decreased performance in planning, attention and memory tasks. Of concern is the permanence or cumulative effects of such activity manifest in permanent brain damage at even a low frequency and severity of blows to the head and the false sense of security provided by wearing protective headgear.

Abstract by, Ann Inoue, OTR/L
 Jamaica Hospital Medical Ctr.