Researchers provide evidence that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) may offer neuroprotective benefits for athletes. Could this martial art be beneficial for brain health?
A study conducted at the University of South Wales aims to explore this question. Benjamin Stacey, Professor Damian Bailey, and Zac Campbell, a former BSc Sport and Exercise Science student, published their findings in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports (SJMSS). Their research focuses on the effects of BJJ on cerebral blood flow and cognitive function.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a popular martial art, involves intermittent asphyxiation due to controlled neck chokes but prohibits strikes, especially to the head, favoring limb manipulation and neck chokes to achieve submission.
There have been concerns about the potential for repeated neck chokes to cause structural brain damage and cognitive decline. To investigate, the researchers used Duplex ultrasonography to measure global cerebral blood flow and conducted neuropsychological tests to assess cognitive function in elite BJJ athletes. These athletes were compared to age-, gender-, and fitness-matched controls.
The study found preliminary evidence suggesting that BJJ athletes experience a sustained increase in resting global cerebral blood flow and preserved cognitive function, indicating accelerated neuroprotection compared to the control group.
“These findings challenge the idea that BJJ leads to cognitive decline due to impaired cerebrovascular function,” said Benjamin, a lecturer in Clinical Science and member of the Neurovascular Research Laboratory. “With BJJ’s rising global popularity, our results highlight the need for further research to thoroughly examine the short- and long-term impacts of this unique sport.”
Daniel Strauss tested out this evidence in a video, showcasing its practical aspects and implications.
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