Laryngopharyngeal Trauma in Grappling Martial Arts: A Mixed-Methods Study

To evaluate the prevalence and cultural attitudes surrounding laryngopharyngeal injuries in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes.

Cross-sectional, mixed-methods study.

Community-based survey and interviews of BJJ/MMA practitioners.

BJJ/MMA practitioners were recruited over a 6-week period via social media and targeted email distribution. The 44-item survey collected data on the awareness and prevalence of laryngopharyngeal symptoms and injuries, care-seeking behaviors, and clinical outcomes related to chokeholds. 13 respondents participated in semi-structured interviews to further explore these themes.

Of 160 survey respondents, 88% reported laryngopharyngeal symptoms following chokeholds, most commonly sore throat (79%) and odynophagia (66%). Most symptoms resolved within 1 week (68%), though 15% reported permanent voice change. 87% of practitioners continued training while symptomatic, and 78% indicated that permanent voice changes would not deter them from training. 50% of respondents indicated they would not seek care if symptoms lasted fewer than 2 weeks. Only 11% sought medical care (n = 18), of whom nearly half (n = 8) were diagnosed with a hyolaryngeal fracture. Interviews highlighted limited awareness of laryngopharyngeal injury risks and a prevailing "push through the pain" cultural ethos.

Despite chokeholds being a foundational technique in BJJ/MMA, there is a paucity of data on laryngopharyngeal injury in these sports. Laryngopharyngeal symptoms are common among athletes yet often disregarded, with athletes frequently continuing to train despite symptoms and seldom seeking care. These findings underscore a gap in awareness and highlight the need for further research and education regarding laryngeal safety in combat sports.