Dartitis remains an unusual phenomenon in sports and can affect even the biggest names. One current example is Nathan Aspinallwho regularly experiences problems when casting and talks openly and honestly about his struggle with mental blocks. Neurologist Erik van Wensum admits there is still no solution to this career-ending disease.
“We still don’t understand enough to fully explain it,” Van Wensum begins in an interview with ANNOUNCEMENT. The expert explains that the problem affects the nervous system and brain and is manifested by involuntary muscle contractions. Van Wensum doesn’t expect big names like that though Michael van Gerwen Or Łukasz Małyrwho are playing tonight PDC World Darts Championships ultimate against yourself to suddenly suffer from this disease. “Usually the problem shows up earlier,” he said.
“It’s extremely frustrating. Especially for athletes who so desperately want to make the most of their talent. And their income even depends on it,” the doctor notes. However, this problem is not limited to the world of darts. Van Wensum also treated athletes from the world of golf.
Even a 16-time world champion Phil Taylor he indicated that at the beginning of his career he suffered from symptoms of dartitis. Nevertheless, according to Van Wensum, there is still no clear explanation for this condition. “But we see some patterns. This often involves professional or fanatical amateurs who practice the same movement over and over again. At the same time, they exert the necessary pressure. With such repetitions, the athlete hopes to get closer to perfection, but if the darts catch fire, you will achieve the opposite. Fear of failure can also be one of the factors that can cause it,” he continued. However, the neurologist emphasizes that there is no definitive medical explanation, in part because too little research has been done on the phenomenon.
“One method is to inject botulinum toxin to paralyze certain muscles, but this is not without risks. Beta blockers are also an option, but for elite athletes they are often considered prohibited substances. In short, a miracle pill does not exist yet,” concludes Van Wensum.
