Evidence appraisals

One published source at a time: what it asked, how it was done, what it found and how far its methods let the findings go.

These are selected-paper appraisals. They are not systematic reviews, clinical reviews or new data.

  1. Brain measures after fighters stop competing

    What does this study show about cognition, brain structure and a blood marker of nerve-cell injury after fighters stop competing, and how firmly can the changes be attributed to stopping?

    EA-001. By Casey C. Sears. Source: Zhuang et al., 2022. Neurology. Longitudinal matched cohort analysis.

  2. Mental-health symptoms in elite kickboxers

    How common were positive mental-health screens among current and former elite kickboxers in this study, and what do its methods allow it to conclude?

    EA-002. By Casey C. Sears. Source: Bilgoe et al., 2025. Discover Mental Health. Cross-sectional survey.

  3. Combat-sport concussion management

    What kind of evidence does this consensus statement provide for a standardized head-trauma assessment after a bout?

    EA-003. By Casey C. Sears. Source: Neidecker et al., 2019. British Journal of Sports Medicine. Professional-society consensus statement.

Two mixed martial artists trade punches in a cage under stage lights while a referee watches from the left.
Mixed martial artsKincl and Valenta during an MMA bout at MMAsters League 1.Photo: “ML1 Kincl vs. Valenta” by Elvis Maslic. CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized. Full credit.