The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on the Pulmonary Function in Mixed Martial Arts and Kickboxing Athletes

Abstract

Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has found its way into athletes’ routine as a promising way of improving pulmonary function in combination with standard training. The objective of the study was to examine the effects of resistive IMT on the pulmonary function variables in athletes of two combat sports, i.e., mixed martial arts (MMA) and kickboxing. Fourteen kickboxing and 12 MMA male athletes qualified for the study. They were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups. While both groups participated in their standard training, the experimental group additionally participated in IMT which consisted of 30 breaths twice a day for 6 weeks. The pulmonary functions were measured at baseline and after 6 weeks of IMT. The addition of IMT to standard training increased significantly the forced expiratory volume in the first second to vital capacity ratio (FEV1/VC), and the maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) (p < 0.05) with changes of 5.7%, and 28.6%, respectively, in MMA athletes. The kickboxing group showed no significant changes. The interaction of the sport discipline and IMT intervention yielded a strong significant change in the MVV (F(1, 11) = 14.53, p < 0.01), and FEV1/VC (F(1, 11) = 20.67, p < 0.01) to the benefit of MMA athletes in comparison with kickboxing athletes. Combining resistive IMT for 6 weeks with standard training was effective to improve some pulmonary functions in MMA athletes, but did not lead to additional gains in kickboxing athletes.

Acute effect of different respiratory muscle warm-up on respiratory parameters

“…In some of the studies on the effect of respiratory muscle warming on respiratory function, there was no change in respiratory function, while a significant improvement occurred in some (Alnuman and Alshamasneh, 2022). However, while most studies have focused on endurance athletes such as swimmers, rowers, and cyclists (Kilding et al, 2010;Bağıran et al, 2019;Cheng et al, 2020;Volianitis et al, 2001b), few studies have been done on children.…”

Comparison of Head Strike Incidence under K1 Rules of Kickboxing with and without Helmet Protection—A Pilot Study

“…Many researchers have addressed the issue of helmet use in combat sports [ 34 , 35 ], but comprehensive analyses comparing fights with and without helmets are lacking. Recent studies in kickboxing focus mainly on the analysis of physiological variables during fights [ 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ] and the implementation of innovative training methods [ 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ]. It is worth noting that a comparison of the number of blows to the head in fights with and without a helmet could encourage a more in-depth verification.…”

Effect of different specific warm-up protocols and time of day on optimum power performance in kickboxers

“…On the one hand, some approaches may use post-activation potentiation and post-activation enhancement to increase the muscle's power output because of an increase in contraction force and neurological enhancements (Blazevich et al, 2019;Prieske et al, 2020;Zimmermann et al, 2020). On the other hand, other approaches could utilize inspiratory muscle training (IMT), which may find its way into the routine of athletes as a promising way to improve respiratory function combined with normal training (Alnuman et al, 2022). Finally, another way is to apply proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching and massage promoting mobility, with possible effects on flexibility .…”