Metabolic and physiological demands of 3×3-min-round boxing fights in highly trained amateur boxers.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the energy requirements of the aerobic oxidative, anaerobic lactic (glycolytic), or anaerobic alactic systems in highly trained amateur boxers during a 3×3-min-round boxing fight. On three separate occasions, 10 highly trained male amateur boxers undertook a progressive treadmill run, a progressive bag-punching exercise, and a full-contact competitive boxing fight of the 3×3-min format. Expired gas and heart rate (HR) were recorded throughout all exercise tasks, with the exception of a gas analysis during the competitive fight. Total energy expenditure and the contribution of the three major energy-supply systems were calculated based on oxygen uptake (V̇O<inf>2</inf>) and HR during exercise, blood lactate accumulation, and excess V̇O<inf>2</inf> during the fast phase of the recovery. The blood lactate concentration was >15 (range: 12-18) mmol·L-1 after the fight. The HR reached >93% of the maximal (HR<inf>max</inf>) in rounds 1 and 2 and >97% in the final round and was strongly correlated with HR<inf>max</inf> (r=0.885). The average calculated O<inf>2</inf> uptake during the boxing fight was 89% of V̇O<inf>2max</inf>, whereas O<inf>2</inf> uptake equivalent calculated from the involvement of all three major energy supply systems was 122% of V̇O<inf>2max</inf>. The calculated energy provision during the fight was 73% aerobic, 19% anaerobic alactic and 8% anaerobic glycolytic. In highly trained male amateur boxers, 3×3-min boxing match elicits very high HR and blood lactate levels with predominant involvement of aerobic and substantial contribution of anaerobic alactic energy systems.