A-trait and risk-taking behavior in predicting injury severity among martial arts athletes

Abstract

IntroductionTrait anxiety (A-trait) can be seen as a multiplicative function of the person–situation interaction. Considering risk-taking behavior (R-TB), literature highlights instrumental and stimulating risk. The aim of the research is to investigate the level of A-trait (in physically dangerous conditions and in new, unusual situations) and the level of R-TB (instrumental and stimulating risk) in athletes, and to verify to what extent A-trait and risk-taking behavior predict injury severity.Materials and methodsOne hundred and fifty-four senior martial arts athletes from grappling combat sports, striking combat sports and mixed martial artists (MMA) participated in the study. For assessing trait anxiety and risk-taking behavior, the Romanian adaptation of the Endler Multidimensional Anxiety Scales (EMAS), respectively the Romanian adaptation of the Makarowski’s Stimulating and Instrumental Risk Questionnaire were used.ResultsUsing multivariate analysis of variance, significant differences between athletes (according to the sports disciplines practiced), in terms of A-trait and R-TB, were examined. Next, we checked the existing correlations between injury severity, A-trait and R-TB scores in athletes practicing striking combat sports, grappling combat sports and MMA. To verify whether there are significant differences in terms of trait anxiety, stimulating and instrumental risk between athletes who have suffered mild, moderate and/or severe injuries and athletes who have suffered only minor/mild injuries, t-Test for Independent Samples was used. Binomial logistic regression procedures were, also, performed, predicting athletes’ likelihood of injury, based on R-TB and A-trait.ConclusionA moderate or slightly below average level of anxiety in new, unusual situations and a higher level of instrumental risk are linked with a decreased likelihood of severe injuries in athletes. Martial arts athletes (in entire sample) who have suffered more severe injuries are more adrenaline-seeking in competition and use less rational thinking, taking more pleasure in just performing technical executions, regardless of the outcome.

Type of sport-and gender-related personality features in the case of injured martial arts athletes

“…Compared to the mentioned model, researchers argued, also, the pressure from coaches and parents, social isolation, and striving for adult approval (especially in the case of young athletes) as factors which can increase the chance of injury in sports (Wiese-Bjornstal et al, 1998). In a previous study we found that instrumental risk (at a higher level) and a moderate/ slightly below average level of A-trait in new circumstances are linked with a decreased probability of serious injuries in martial artists (Patenteu et al, 2023). We mention that the relationship between martial arts athletes' injury severity and athletes' resilience, as well as their results for the three factors of aggression (addressed in the present study), was less approached in the specialized literature.…”

“…Also, statistical analysis did not take into account athletes' sports performances (future studies could examine only athletes having international results, national, or local/regional performances). However, Patenteu et al (2023) found that there is no significant correlation between sports performance and injury severity in martial artists. Further studies should investigate athletes with an equal number of official fights during a year, and in different socio-cultural settings (in various countries).…”

“…In the current study, martial artists were divided in: Striking Combat sports -SC (karate, kick-boxing, taekwondo and boxing), Grappling Combat sports -GC (judo and BJJ), respectively Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), as in previous research (Predoiu et al, 2022a;Patenteu et al, 2023).…”

“…An injury report form was, also, applied to martial arts athletes. Through close-and open-ended questions, information has been gathered about: age, gender, type of sport practiced, competitive experience in the last two yearsnumber of official fights per year during March 2021 -March 2023 (the inclusion criteria for the study was minimum 12 official fights/year, as in previous research - Patenteu et al, 2023). Also, data were gathered about martial artists' sports injuries, suffered during the last two years.…”

The role of psychological resilience and aggression in injury prevention among martial arts athletes

“…For example, during low-level competitions, a higher frequency of injuries was reported (Frey et al, 2004). However, in a recent study, authors found no significant link between the two variables (martial arts athletes were investigated separately, from SC, GC, and MMA) (Patenteu et al, 2023). Interestingly, in 2012, Kazemi argued that in elite taekwondo athletes, injuries before competition were related to a 30% increase in medal prevalence (although not statistically significant) (Kazemi, 2012).…”