Evidence of dynamic visual acuity impairment in asymptomatic mixed martial arts fighters
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-7-2017
Publication Title
Concussion
Volume
2
Issue
3
Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of visual acuity loss with head movement in actively training mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters. Methods: Vestibulo-ocular reflex function of 22 asymptomatic, male MMA fighters (age = 29.2 ± 5.1) was assessed by taking the difference between static visual acuity and the dynamic visual acuity test, in both yaw and pitch planes. Results: The mean static visual acuity testing logMAR was -0.173 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.114). Mean dynamic visual acuity test values decreased with head movement to 0.196 logMAR (SD = 0.103) in yaw; p < 0.001, and to 0.283 logMAR (SD = 0.133) in pitch; p < 0.001. Conclusion: MMA fighters had a decay, beyond normal ranges, in visual acuity during head movement. These decreases may suggest vestibulo-ocular reflex impairment and were unrelated to self-reported concussion history. These results should be cautiously interpreted since there was not a control group.
Keywords
Combat sports, Concussion, Vestibulo-ocular reflex
Language
eng
Repository Citation
Landers, M. R.,
Donatelli, R.,
Nash, J.,
Bascharon, R.
(2017).
Evidence of dynamic visual acuity impairment in asymptomatic mixed martial arts fighters.
Concussion, 2(3),
http://dx.doi.org/10.2217/cnc-2016-0032
