The epidemiology of sport related concussion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Abstract

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a rapidly growing grappling sport with a wide spectrum of participants. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of concussions among BJJ practitioners while determining potential predictive factors. A 17-question survey was distributed via email to BJJ practitioners in the United States. The survey included questions on practitioners; demographics and the development of a concussion doing BJJ. Among those with a concussion during BJJ, further information was elucidated on symptoms, return to play, and the development of a second concussion. A total of 780 survey responses were analyzed, ranging in age from 18 to 67 with females representing 11.8% of respondents. 25.2% of practitioners reported a concussion doing BJJ. Forty-three percent of females reported a concussion doing BJJ compared to 22.9% of males (X2 [1, n = 740] = 15.129, p = < 0.001). This gender difference did not exist in the prevalence of concussions before starting BJJ (X2 [1, n = 774] = 1.930, p = 0.381). Logistic regression indicated several factors predictive for developing a concussion from participating in BJJ including: having a prior concussion (odds-ratio = 1.691, p = 0.017, 95% CI 1.097, 2.606), the number of competitions in which an athlete participated (odds-ratio = 1.023, p = 0.016, 95% CI 1.004, 1.042), and female gender (odds-ratio = 1.863, p = 0.048, 95% CI 1.006, 3.450). Logistic regression indicated competing more times per year was predictive for developing a second concussion [odds-ratio = 1.038, p = 0.016). After a concussion, the median time to return to BJJ was 3 days. This included 30.8% of participants returning the day of their concussion. The present study represents the first epidemiologic research examining concussions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The results underscore the need for increased education on concussions and return to play guidelines among BJJ coaches and practitioners.