A ‘sport’ where two individuals face off across a table with the simple aim of slapping across the face with an open hand as hard as possible, is causing concern across the medical profession after a recent study was published highlighting its impact on the brain. Brain injury expert Natalie Mackenzie, like many other experts after a warning letter was published in a leading https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/fullarticle/2823891, shares her concerns.
“As a brain injury specialist and cognitive rehabilitation therapist, I am more familiar than most about the impact of trauma on the brain. Many headlines over the past couple of years are focused on the impact of contact sports on the long term brain health of players, with a surge of research and development aimed making these sports safer and reducing the risk of brain trauma. But here we have a activity that to even an untrained eye, results in symptoms of concussions.
You only have to watch one of the short videos in slow motion on social media to see a competitor dazed, confused, unsteady and disorientated from one slap. It is increasingly evidenced from research that the impact of multiple concussions can have significant impact on the brain and its function both in the short and long term, and in some cases can be catastrophic. The force from these blows whips the neck and head away from the body in such a way, that there can be no doubt that there is damage occurring at a neuronal level, as the cells and forced apart, and are bruised and sheared. This damage is irreparable. Research indicates that repeated blows can contribute to CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) which is a neurodegenerative disease, resulting in disability and reduced brain function,” explains Natalie, who specialises in supporting families with brain injury.
After analysing 333 slaps, a recent study found almost 80% of participants had visible signs of concussion in at least one of their matches, which can cause many issues.
“There is also the impact on general cognitive function in competitors, with the neuronal damage impacting memory, problem solving, mood and behaviour,” Natalie adds.
Whilst youngsters may be influenced online, Natalie warns that this certainly isn’t a trend worth copying. “It certainly isn’t a sport I would imagine parents would like to see rolled out into schools and makes boxing appear a ‘softer’ and safer option! I would certainly discourage anyone from engaging in this type of competition and avoid any level of support to try and reduce the popularity of the social media frenzy,” she explains.
