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Long-Term Cognitive Decline in MMA Fighters: A Two-Year Cohort Study on Executive Function Impairments Due to Repetitive Head Strikes

Author

Listed:
  • Michele Andrade de Brito

    (Graduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil
    Universidade do Vale do Rio Doce, Governador Valadares 35020-220, Brazil)

  • José Raimundo Fernandes

    (Universidade do Vale do Rio Doce, Governador Valadares 35020-220, Brazil
    Graduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36036-900, Brazil)

  • Keveenrick Ferreira Costa

    (Universidade do Vale do Rio Doce, Governador Valadares 35020-220, Brazil)

  • Clóvis Albuquerque Maurício

    (Graduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil)

  • Aleksandro Ferreira Gonçalves

    (Graduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil)

  • Otávio de Toledo Nóbrega

    (School of Physical Education, University of Brasilia, Brasilia 70910-900, Brazil)

  • Esteban Aedo-Muñhoz

    (Departamento de Educación Física, Deportes y Recreación, Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Ñuñoa 7760197, Chile)

  • Ciro José Brito

    (Graduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36036-900, Brazil)

  • Diego Ignácio Vanezuela Pérez

    (Escuela de Kinesiologia, Universidad Santo Tomás, Santiago, Ñuñoa 7800262, Chile)

  • Bianca Miarka

    (Graduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-617, Brazil)

Abstract

Background: This study examines the long-term cognitive consequences of repetitive head impact on executive functions in mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters over two years. Methods: Neuropsychological tests assessed executive functions in two groups: competitive (CG; n = 26) and recreational groups (RG; n = 26). Results: A significant interaction between time and group was observed. The CG experienced greater declines in Mental Processing Speed (MPS) after 1 year [4.6 s (3.1; 6.1); p ≤ 0.001] and 2 years [14.6 s (5.1; 24.0); p = 0.003]. Inhibitory control (IC) also declined after 1 year [4.7 a.u. (3.0; 6.2); p ≤ 0.001] and 2 years [10.0 a.u. (11.6; 11.4); p ≤ 0.001]. Cognitive flexibility (CF) showed a pronounced reduction after 1 year [4.8 a.u. (3.0; 6.7); p ≤ 0.001] and 2 years [7.5 a.u. (5.9; 9.1); p ≤ 0.001]. Automatic (AP) and controlled processes (CP), as well as direct (DM) and indirect memory (IM), also showed significant impairments in CG. Conclusions: These findings highlight the detrimental effects of MMA competitions on cognitive function, emphasizing the need for monitoring and interventions to preserve fighters’ health and performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Michele Andrade de Brito & José Raimundo Fernandes & Keveenrick Ferreira Costa & Clóvis Albuquerque Maurício & Aleksandro Ferreira Gonçalves & Otávio de Toledo Nóbrega & Esteban Aedo-Muñhoz & Ciro Jos, 2025. "Long-Term Cognitive Decline in MMA Fighters: A Two-Year Cohort Study on Executive Function Impairments Due to Repetitive Head Strikes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(7), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:7:p:1004-:d:1687640
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