do MMA fighters and coaches understand how to avoid injuries?
MMA sports and injuries
MMA is a very demanding sport in which the professional fighters often train 12 times a week!
Given the large number of training sessions and the very nature of the sport in which fighters constantly get punches, it is a logical conclusion that injuries are a very common occurrence.
Can these injuries be prevented?
Is there enough knowledge among fighters and coaches to prevent those injuries?
What is the attitude of fighters and coaches toward injuries?
Find out the answers to these and many other questions in the new blog of colleague Lucija Gnjidić.
Author of the introduction: Toni Marić
Research on MMA population
The aim of this research was to explore the relationship between semi-professional and professional MMA fighters in Croatia and physiotherapy processes in injury prevention.
The research paper conducted interviews with 34 MMA fighters and the goal was to assess the knowledge and describe the approach of fighters and coaches towards injuries and prevention.
We got some very interesting results that not everyone will like but that are realistic!
Limited knowledge and neglect of injuries
Research data collected from interviews with Croatian MMA fighters highlights lack of basic knowledge of sports injuries.
The understanding of frequent injuries and their possible consequences by fighters is inadequate, resulting in negligence and neglect of appropriate professional assistance.
Many fighters they tend to ignore seemingly minor injuries, unaware of the potential long-term consequences they may face.
This knowledge gap highlights the need to address the educational aspect of injury prevention and treatment within the MMA community.
Too much confidence in the coaches?
It is interesting that the results of the research shows that Croatian MMA fighters show a higher level of confidence in the ability of their coaches to deal with their injuries compared to medical professionals, especially when it comes to minor injuries.
This misdirected trust can lead fighters to rely solely on their coaches for injury treatment, disregarding the expertise and specialized knowledge possessed by physiotherapists.
Addressing this imbalance of trust is crucial to make sure that the fighters get appropriate evidence-based care during their training and competitive journey.
The importance of collaboration between therapist and coach
Based on an extensive analysis of research data, the main conclusion of the work emphasizes the need for physiotherapy to actively collaborate with coaches, rather than focusing solely on athletes.
The integration of physical therapy into the MMA training process in Croatia must involve a cohesive effort between the two parties.
By working closely with coaches, physiotherapists can provide specialized guidance, educate coaches on injury prevention strategies and facilitate the implementation of appropriate injury management protocols.
This collaborative approach ensures that trainers play an integral role in promoting responsible practices and the well-being of their fighters.
Limited knowledge of trainers and fighters!
Research data obtained from interviews with Croatian semi-professional and professional MMA fighters indicate their limited knowledge of injuries and their tendency to trust coaches over medical professionals, especially for minor injuries.
Key conclusion of this study is the importance of establishing a collaborative relationship between physiotherapist and coach in the training process of MMA fighters in Croatia.
By encouraging this partnership, fighters can gain better guidelines for injury prevention, appropriate medical care and a holistic approach to their overall well-being, which ultimately leads to safer and more responsible MMA practice.
Bsc. PT. Lucija Gnjidić
Lucija is a bacc. physiotherapy and owner of Bodyarchitect practice who is also a Master Dry needling therapist.
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