Adaptive Combative Sports (Judo, Boxing, Wrestling, Mixed Martial Arts)

Combative sports have been a part of ancient cultures, and these events continue to remain popular today. Athletes often find that putting their body and overall physical condition to the test is quite gratifying and improves their quality of life (Husted, Altern Ther Health Med 5(5):70–74, 1999). Specifically, adaptive athletes are taking a greater interest in combative sports. There are athletes who compete from multiple disability groups and include varying impairments such as amputations, cerebral palsy, visual impairments, or a history of a brain injury. This chapter will focus on ringside evaluation and management of adaptive athletes in order to provide safe and enjoyable competition for them. A short list of common combative injuries discussed here are nose and eye injuries, facial fractures and lacerations, as well as signs of emergent cessation of match.