Evaluating Concussion Risk in Child Muay Thai Boxers

Concussions in youth athletes, particularly in combat sports like Muay Thai, have become a significant public health concern. This study aimed to evaluate the concussion risk associated with various Muay Thai striking techniques among young practitioners. Four child Muay Thai boxers participated in the study, performing three strikes of five different techniques (straight punch, hook to jaw, hook to temple, elbow to jaw, and elbow to temple) to a headform dummy. Peak linear and rotational accelerations were recorded and analyzed to assess concussion risk. The results revealed that elbow strikes, particularly the elbow to the temple, consistently generated higher peak accelerations, suggesting a greater risk of concussion. Comparison with previous studies on youth athletes indicated that child Muay Thai boxers may experience concussions similar to those associated with concussions but with lower impact forces, even with headgear. This study provides valuable insights into the concussion risk in Muay Thai and emphasizes the need for further research to develop effective headgear and training strategies to protect young athletes.