Video-Based Analysis of Suspected Concussions in Slap Fighting: Incidence and Characteristics
Yavuz Lima1, Ogün Köyağasıoğlu, Kerry Peek
1Author Affiliations: Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Department of Sports Medicine, İstanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, İstanbul, Turkey (Drs Lima and Köyağasıoğlu); School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Australia (Dr Peek); and Balıkesir Atatürk City Hospital, Sports Medicine Unit, Balıkesir, Turkey (Dr Karaçoban).
Objective:
Despite the high frequency of head impacts in slap fighting, little is known about suspected concussions in this sport. This study examined the frequency and characteristics of observable signs of suspected concussions in slap fighting among male athletes.
Setting:
Video-based analysis.
Participants:
Athletes who participated in official male power slap matches from January 1, 2023 to June 31, 2024.
Design:
Video footage of all official male power slap matches during the study period was retrospectively analyzed by 3 sports medicine specialists experienced in sports injuries.
Main Measures:
The frequency, total number, and types of observable signs of suspected concussion, and whether the fight continued after signs of suspected concussion were observed.
Results:
A total of 115 fights (97.5%) during the study period were available for video review. Of these, 40 (38.4%) resulted in knockouts and 21 (18.3%) in technical knockouts. Observable signs of suspected concussion were observed in 79.1% of fights, averaging 1.41 concussion signs per fight, and 0.31 per slap. Forty-eight (52.7%) of the fights with signs of suspected concussion continued following observed concussion signs.
Conclusion:
The frequency, early identification, and management of suspected concussions in slap fighting should be prioritized, with further studies combining clinical assessments strongly recommended.
