@article{ref1,
title="Should an increase in cerebral neurochemicals following head kicks in full contact karate influence return to play?",
journal="International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology",
year="2015",
author="Graham, M. R. and Pates, J. and Davies, Bronwyn and Cooper, S. M. and Bhattacharya, K. and Evans, P. J. and Baker, J. S.",
volume="28",
number="4",
pages="539-546",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Cerebral neurochemicals are markers of traumatic brain injury (TBI). <br><br>OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine whether kicks to the head (KTH) in full contact karate significantly increased serum concentrations of protein S-100B, and neurone specific enolase (NSE). Kicks to the body (KTB) were also quantified to asses muscle tissue injury. Muscle damage was assessed by analysis of serum total creatine kinase (CK). <br><br>METHODS: Twenty-four full contact karate practitioners were observed and filmed during actual competition and divided into two main groups post event: (1) Kicks to the head and body group (KTH): n = 12; mean ± SD; age, 30.4 ± 6.7 years; height, 1.74 ± 0.1 m; weight, 79.1 ± 2.1 kg; and (2): Kicks to the body group (KTB): n = 12; mean ± SD; age, 28.2 ± 6.5 years; height, 1.75 ± 0.1 m; weight, 79.2 ± 1.7 kg. The KTH group received direct kicks to the head, while group KTB received kicks and punches to the body. Blood samples were taken before and immediately post-combat for analysis of serum S-100B, NSE, CK and cardiac troponin. <br><br>RESULTS: Significant increases in serum concentrations of S-100B (0.12 ± 0.17 vs. 0.37 ± 0.26, µg.L(-1)) and NSE (11.8 ± 4.1 vs. 20.2 ± 9.1 ng.mL(-1)) were encountered after combat in the KTH group and CK (123 ± 53 vs. 184 ± 103 U.L(-1)) in the KTB group (all P <0.05). <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Head kicks in full contact karate cause elevation of neurochemical markers associated with damaged brain tissue. The severity of injury is related to the early post-traumatic release of protein S-100B and NSE. The early kinetics and appearance post injury can reflect intracranial pathology, and suggest S-100B and NSE are extremely sensitive prognostic markers of TBI.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0394-6320",
doi="10.1177/0394632015577045",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0394632015577045"
}