Experts continue to be confused by dartitis: "We still don't understand enough to fully explain it"

Dartitis remains a remarkable phenomenon within the sport, and it can affect even the biggest names. One current example is Nathan Aspinall, who regularly experiences issues in his throwing action, and has been open and honest about his battle with the mental block. Neurologist Erik van Wensum admits that there is still no solution to this potentially career-ending condition.

"We still don't understand enough to fully explain it," Van Wensum begins in conversation with the AD. The expert explains that the problem is related to the nervous system and brain, and it results in involuntary muscle contractions. However, Van Wensum does not expect big names such as Michael van Gerwen or Luke Littler, who play tonight's PDC World Darts Championship final against each other, to suddenly suffer from the condition. "Usually the problem reveals itself earlier," he said.

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"It's extremely frustrating. Especially for athletes who so desperately want to make the most of their talent. Or even depend on it for their income," the doctor notes. This problem is not limited to the world of darts, however. Van Wensum has also treated athletes in the golf world.

Even 16-time world champion Phil Taylor indicated that he suffered from dartitis symptoms early in his career. Nevertheless, according to Van Wensum, there is still no conclusive explanation for the condition. "But there are patterns we do see. It often involves professional or fanatical amateur athletes who endlessly practice the same move. And put the necessary pressure on themselves in the process. With those repetitions, an athlete hopes to approach perfection, but with dartitis, you achieve the opposite. Fear of failure may also be one of the factors that can trigger it," he continued. The neurologist stresses, however, 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 that is not without risk. Beta blockers are also an option, but for elite athletes these are often considered prohibited substances. In short, a miracle pill does not yet exist," Van Wensum concludes.

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