Osteopathic treatment for head injuries in MMA fighters

Fluid Dynamics of Concussion in Mixed Martial Arts in a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine

This study tests if osteopathic treatment can help MMA fighters recover better from head injuries and improve their thinking skills after a concussion.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 100 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 50 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: New York Institute of Technology (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Greenvale, New York)
• Trial ID: NCT06851234 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) on recovery from head injuries sustained during mixed martial arts (MMA) fights. It aims to determine whether OMM can improve symptoms and cognitive recovery after a concussion by restoring alignment and releasing tension in the body. Participants will undergo OMM treatment or a sham intervention, and their cognitive performance will be assessed through online tests. The study builds on previous findings that OMM may enhance recovery in athletes with head injuries.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are MMA fighters aged 18 to 50 who have sustained a witnessed closed head injury during a fight.

Not a fit: Patients with recent head injuries, spinal cord injuries, or certain neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could lead to faster recovery and improved cognitive function for MMA fighters after head injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes for OMM in college athletes with concussions, suggesting potential for success in this novel application for MMA fighters.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Part 1-head injury dynamics:

  1. individuals participating in MMA fights or sparring matches,
  2. 18 to 50 years of age,
  3. able to complete online cognitive neuropsychology tests.

     Part-2-Intervention:

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  1. having a witnessed closed head injury during a fight

     Exclusion Criteria:
* Part 1-head injury dynamics:

  1. having a current or previous spinal cord injury,
  2. head injury within past six months,
  3. being unable to complete the assessment,
  4. been diagnosed with underlying neurodegenerative condition,
  5. pre-existing hypopituitary function,
  6. Pregnancy.

Part-2-Intervention:

1. has absolute contraindications to OMM (e.g. skull fracture, cervical spine fracture, signs of intracranial bleeding or increased intracranial pressure, cervical dissection, space occupying lesion in the cranium, or stroke),
2. suffered a witnessed loss of consciousness (LOC) for greater than 2 minutes, seizures, intractable vomiting or paralysis at the time of the head injury, Participants won't be referred to their private doctors for additional pituitary hormone testing unless there are clinical signs. The optional referral for growth hormone and other pituitary testing by glucagon stimulation Test at Quest labs will be contraindicated if there is risk of and/or a history of (1) cardiovascular (heart) disease, (2) disease of the blood vessel in your brain, or (3) seizures.

Where this trial is running

Greenvale, New York

• Academic Health Care Center of NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine — Greenvale, New York, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jayme Mancini, D.O., Ph.D, FAWM — New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Academic Health Care Center, Riland Building
• Study coordinator: Milan Toma, Ph.D, SMIEEE

Conditions: Head Injury Trauma, osteopathic manipulative treatment, concussion, mixed martial arts, head injury