Correlation between grip strength and upper extremity injury risk among BJJ athletes
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Fredrick Gardin
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 10:30 AM
End Date
25-4-2025 11:29 AM
Description
Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling form of martial arts that focuses on chokes, submission holds, and takedowns. Musculoskeletal injuries in various areas of the body are common due to the significant role of the gi (a thick cotton jacket) in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, as many BJJ practitioners utilize grips to gain leverage or control during a fight. There is a gap in the literature identifying if grip strength can influence risk factors in the sport. Recognizing any connection between grip strength and injury risk can help understand the importance of grip strength as an injury risk factor. The study was conducted with a group of 20 to 30 participants, all over the age of 18, and actively training in BJJ. Informed consent was obtained, a survey was completed, and participants' grip strength was measured using a dynamometer before their training sessions. An 8-item upper extremity functional scale (UEFS) was used to determine the risk of injury for each participant. A Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to show associations between UEFS scores and grip strength. The study helps athletic trainers and coaches understand the link between grip strength and upper limb injury risks in BJJ athletes. Identifying these factors can reduce injury risk and improve early injury intervention. Future discussions should explore additional variables that may influence injury risk in BJJ, such as training intensity, technique proficiency, and recovery strategies, to develop more comprehensive injury prevention approaches.
Correlation between grip strength and upper extremity injury risk among BJJ athletes
Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling form of martial arts that focuses on chokes, submission holds, and takedowns. Musculoskeletal injuries in various areas of the body are common due to the significant role of the gi (a thick cotton jacket) in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, as many BJJ practitioners utilize grips to gain leverage or control during a fight. There is a gap in the literature identifying if grip strength can influence risk factors in the sport. Recognizing any connection between grip strength and injury risk can help understand the importance of grip strength as an injury risk factor. The study was conducted with a group of 20 to 30 participants, all over the age of 18, and actively training in BJJ. Informed consent was obtained, a survey was completed, and participants' grip strength was measured using a dynamometer before their training sessions. An 8-item upper extremity functional scale (UEFS) was used to determine the risk of injury for each participant. A Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to show associations between UEFS scores and grip strength. The study helps athletic trainers and coaches understand the link between grip strength and upper limb injury risks in BJJ athletes. Identifying these factors can reduce injury risk and improve early injury intervention. Future discussions should explore additional variables that may influence injury risk in BJJ, such as training intensity, technique proficiency, and recovery strategies, to develop more comprehensive injury prevention approaches.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.