Children in Combat Sports

Spinal Injuries in Combat Sports

“…11.5a, b). This increases the risk of overuse injury to this area [3]. This is more likely to occur in styles that employ a longer and lower front stance (Shotokan karate) or bow stance (wushu) versus a shorter and higher stance (Goju-ryu karate, Uechi-Ryu karate).…”

“…Repetitive stress on the posterior elements can lead to pain on hyperextension of the spine with focal tenderness over the affected level just lateral to the midline [3]. If secondary muscle spasm is present, there may be some tightness and discomfort on trunk flexion as well.…”

“…The posterior elements refer to muscle-tendon units, ligaments, joint capsules, and facet joints of the lumbar spine. Common to several different striking styles (karate, wushu, taekwondo) is the front stance [3]. Experienced martial artists learn to stabilize the trunk and reduce lumbar lordosis through flexibility, strength, and technique training.…”

“…This places undue stress on the posterior elements of the lumbar spine, including the facet joints and pars interarticularis. Over time, these athletes may develop lumbar extension pain due to posterior element overuse syndrome or spondylolysis [3].…”

“…Some styles such as judo have approximately 75 % representation by children under 15 years of age, while youth participation in other martial arts such as karate has doubled over the past decade [3].…”