Identifying Cervical Predictors of Recreational Mixed Martial Arts Participation: A Case-Control Study.

ABSTRACT: Background: Recreational participation in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has rapidly increased. Despite consistent evidence of a high injury prevalence in MMA athletes, the neuromuscular implications of regular MMA training remain underexplored. The cervical spine is particularly vulnerable to trauma due to repetitive impacts and high mechanical demands in combat sports. Methods: This case-control study compared cervical spine function and self-reported symptoms between 25 recreational MMA athletes and 25 matched individuals who engaged in general fitness training. Outcome measures included Neck Disability Index (NDI), Post-Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS), pain and headache reports, cervical range of motion (ROM), proprioception, isometric strength, and endurance. Multivariate logi

SUBMITTER: Holland L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12115610 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature