Abstract

SETHI, N K. Post-concussion return to boxing protocol. SA J. Sports Med. [online]. 2016, vol.28, n.2, pp.61-62. ISSN 2078-516X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2078-516x/2016/v28i2a464.

BACKGROUND: Concussion is a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by traumatic biomechanical forces. Immediately following a concussion, an athlete is usually advised physical and cognitive rest until post-concussion symptoms abate. The athlete then enters a stepwise return-to-play protocol. Premature return to play risks a second concussion, second impact syndrome, exacerbation and persistence of post-concussive symptoms. Various sports governing organisations such as the National Football League have developed post-concussion return to play protocols. DISCUSSION: Professional boxing is a popular contact sport in which concussions are common. Professional boxing currently lacks a standardised post-concussion return to boxing protocol. Professional boxers are arbitrarily suspended for periods ranging from 30 to 90 days after suffering a technical knockout (TKO) due to multiple head and body shots or after a knockout (KO). For some boxers a neurology clearance is requested prior to their return to boxing. CONCLUSION: Developing and implementing a post-concussion return to the boxing protocol will standardise a return to boxing decision-making process and help to protect a boxer's health. This paper proposes a post-concussion return to boxing protocol with the recommendation that the proposed protocol be debated vigorously by the scientific community and evidence-based guidelines be developed by the medical community in conjunction with the professional boxing governing bodies.

Keywords : boxing; safety; concussion; return-to-play.

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