This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the neuropsychological and neuropathological outcomes in amateur boxers, professional boxers, and ex-boxers, who suffered traumatic brain injuries during their career trajectories. This study was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) conventions. Forty-three studies qualified for this systematic review/meta-analysis. Among that, a total of 6287 professionals, including amateur boxers, active boxers, and ex-boxers were evaluated for the primary and secondary endpoints. The median age of the boxers was 45 years (range: 19-65 years). Nearly 65% of the screened boxers were males and 35% were females. A significant prevalence of cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) (34.6%), brain atrophy (30.3%), neuropsychiatric/neurological disorders (55.85%), abnormal brain findings (27.36%), cerebral microhemorrhages (7.93%), dementia/amnesia/cognitive impairment/low memory (35.41%) and Parkinson`s disease/ataxic gait impairment (5.68%) were observed among boxers versus controls who did not experience these conditions (all p < 0.05). Notably, a high expression of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers (GFAP-MD: 203.41, 95% CI 126.11-280.71; NFL-MD: 429.25, 95% CI 240.55-617.95) was observed in boxers, compared to controls. Furthermore, abnormal psychological test battery results were observed in most of the boxers. This study revealed a high prevalence of neuropathological and neuropsychological complications in boxers with a history of repetitive head injuries.
© Copyright 2025 Journal of Sports Sciences. Taylor & Francis. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.