Mixed martial arts and tactical combatives require execution in a close position to your opponent. To be successful the fighter must have quick reactions- integrating speed, strength, and precision of movement.
Mixed martial artists without history of concussion and are asymptomatic have shown a reduction in the performance of the reflex that keeps a target in focus with head movement. [1] This is one of the fastest reflexes in the body and is called the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR).
When this reflex is impaired, a fighter would lose target focus for a split second with a slip, bob and weave, etc. This will subsequently affect the fighter’s ability to execute with speed and precision.
The consequences of this limit a fighter from performing at their highest level and increases their risk for injury.
In the tactical community there is the added obstacle of environmental chaos, and a split second of loss of target focus whenever you quickly move your head is not an option in extreme environments.
Know the areas of performance that are susceptible to subconcussive forces and proactively train them to continue to perform at your highest possible level.
REFERENCES:
- Landers, M. R., Donatelli, R., Nash, J., & Bascharon, R. (2017). Evidence of dynamic visual acuity impairment in asymptomatic mixed martial arts fighters. Concussion, 2(3), CNC41.