A preliminary study on the prevalence of mental health symptoms in current and former elite kickboxers and their possible association with severe musculoskeletal injuries and concussions

Aim(s): This study aimed to explore the prevalence of mental health symptoms in current and former elite kickboxers and to establish whether these mental health symptoms were associated with severe musculoskeletal injuries and/or concussions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by utilizing an electronic questionnaire among current and former elite kickboxers from the highest and second highest international level. Validated screening questionnaires from the International Olympic Committee Sport Mental Health Assessment Tool 1 (SMHAT-1) were used to asses mental health symptoms. Results: The most prevalent mental health symptoms among current elite kickboxers (N = 45) were psychological distress (57%) and disordered eating (63%). Among former elite kickboxers (N = 29), the most prevalent mental health symptoms were 36% for psychological distress and 43% for alcohol misuse. Additionally, no statistically significant associations were found between mental health symptoms and severe musculoskeletal injuries and/or concussions among current and former elite kickboxers. Conclusions: The substantial prevalence rates of mental health symptoms among current and former elite kickboxers emphasize the need for increased attention in this area. No associations were found between the potential contributing factors and mental health symptoms among current and former elite kickboxers. While further research is needed, raising awareness as well as developing preventive and supportive measures to assist elite kickboxers with personal and career development should be prioritized, both inside and outside the ring.