In search of muscular fitness and its relation to training experience and sports performance of athletes of modern combat sports such as mixed martial arts (MMA) and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ)

Wąsacz, Wojciech; Sobiło-Rydzik, Ewa; Niewczas, Marta; Król, Paweł; Malliaropoulos, Nikos

doi:10.5604/01.3001.0016.2746

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 23 publications

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“…A cornerstone for achieving this high level of performance is optimal biomechanics, an interdisciplinary field that applies the principles of physics to study the mechanical aspects of biological systems, specifically how organisms move and interact with their environment [2,3]. Despite achieving mastery in their disciplines, even elite athletes have opportunities for incremental improvement in performance [4].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gait Parameters of Elite Kickboxing Athletes

Niewczas,

Rydzik,

Ambroży

et al. 2023

Symmetry

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Background: Correct movement techniques are crucial for enhancing athletic performance and minimizing the risk of injury. This is particularly true for kickboxing, in which a variety of forms of locomotion are employed. Despite its importance, gait and movement analysis in this sport is under-researched. The primary objective of this study is to understand gait patterns and limb symmetry between the dominant and non-dominant legs among professional kickboxers and to explore their correlation with the level of technical and tactical preparation. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 20 elite kickboxers. Data collection employed the 3D Force Treadmill for gait parameters, as well as simulated sparring sessions to evaluate technical–tactical indices. Various gait parameters were analyzed, including the center of pressure (COP), gait phase, spatial and time parameters, as well as reaction force. Results: No significant bilateral differences were found in the majority of gait variables. Exceptions were in the medio-lateral component of the COP and force, where more deviation was observed in the non-dominant foot. The only noted significant correlation was between lateral symmetry and attack activity. Conclusions: This study allows us to indicate that kickboxers’ training promotes symmetrical gait patterns. Targeted training interventions could further optimize these patterns. The significant relationship between lateral symmetry and attack activity suggests areas for future research and potential performance improvement. The results of this study contribute to athletes’ self-monitoring and coaching strategies.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gait Parameters of Elite Kickboxing Athletes

Niewczas,

Rydzik,

Ambroży

et al. 2023

Symmetry

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Brain Punch: K-1 Fights Affect Brain Wave Activity in Professional Kickboxers

Rydzik,

Kopańska,

Wąsacz

et al. 2024

Sports Med

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Background Kickboxing is a popular striking combat sport, and K-1 is a type of kickboxing. Direct head blows can cause significant long-term injury and affect brain wave activity. Objectives We aim to compare the changes in brain wave activities of fighters during a K-1 kickboxing contest to those in a control group, who were striking a punching bag and were not hit by another K-1 athlete. Methods A total of 100 professional Polish K-1 kickboxers were split evenly into experimental (n = 50, age 25.5 ± 4.63 years) and control (n = 50, age 26.6 ± 5.22 years) groups. We used quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) to assess the spectrum of brain wave activity (delta, theta, alpha, sensorimotor rhythm (SMR), beta-1 and beta-2) before and after an intervention (experimental: K-1 contest, control: simulated contest), with eyes open and then closed. The number of direct blows to the head was also recorded for all bouts. Comparative and statistical analyses between selected variables were performed. Results K-1 fighters showed elevated baseline brain activity for the entire delta band (p < 0.001). There was significant variation in brain activity among the experimental group following the intervention and compared with the control group for all wave types (p < 0.001). No significant variation in activity was found in the control group. The number of direct head blows was positively correlated with brain activity, at delta and beta-2 wave frequencies. Conclusions K-1 kickboxing is associated with detectable changes in brain wave activity. It is presently unclear what the long-term effects of these changes in brain wave activities are, and longitudinal studies are necessary to study the brain health of kickboxers.

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Comparing The Effects of Compression Contrast Therapy and Dry Needling on Muscle Functionality, Pressure Pain Threshold, and Perfusion after Isometric Fatigue in Forearm Muscles of Combat Sports Athletes: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Kużdżał,

Clemente,

Kawczyński

et al. 2024

jsportscimed

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The aim of this study was to compare the acute effects of compression contrast therapy (CT) and dry needling therapy (DN) on muscle tension (MT), muscle strength (Fmax), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and perfusion (PU) following fatigue of forearm muscles (e.g., flexor carpi radialis) in combat sports athletes. A single-blind randomized controlled trial was employed. Participants first underwent muscle fatigue induction, which involved sustaining an isometric handgrip at 60% of their maximum voluntary contraction in 5-second cycles. This was followed by exposure to one of the regenerative therapies. Forty-five participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: CT/DN (n = 15), CT/ShDN (n = 15), and ShCT/DN (n = 15). The sham condition (Sh) involved a simulated version of the technique. Measurements were taken at four time points: (i) at rest; (ii) immediately after exercise that led to a state of fatigue; (iii) 5 minutes after therapy (PostTh5min); and (iv) 24 hours after therapy (PostTh24h). Each participant was exposed to one experimental condition and one control condition, thereby undergoing evaluation in two sessions. Significant differences between groups were found in MT during the PostTh5min (p = 0.005), as well as in PU during the PostTh5min (p < 0.001) and PU during the PostTh24h (p < 0.001). All groups showed significant improvements at 5 minutes post-therapy compared to immediately post-muscle fatigue. As conclusions, CT/DN seems to be significantly better for enhancing MT and PU after 5 minutes of muscle fatigue induction. Using either CT, DN, or both combined is recommended to enhance the recovery of muscle functionality and properties, favoring recovery and potentially speeding up performance enhancement.

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In search of muscular fitness and its relation to training experience and sports performance of athletes of modern combat sports such as mixed martial arts (MMA) and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ)

Cited by 3 publications

References 23 publications

Gait Parameters of Elite Kickboxing Athletes

Gait Parameters of Elite Kickboxing Athletes

Brain Punch: K-1 Fights Affect Brain Wave Activity in Professional Kickboxers

Comparing The Effects of Compression Contrast Therapy and Dry Needling on Muscle Functionality, Pressure Pain Threshold, and Perfusion after Isometric Fatigue in Forearm Muscles of Combat Sports Athletes: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

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