Martial Art Athletes Research Articles

Validity and reliability of the physical fitness test instrument for retired martial art athletes

Background and Study Aim. Developing exercise programs to maintain the fitness and health of retired athletes is crucial as a preventive measure against common health problems in this population. Equally important is the creation of an exercise evaluation tool to assess the effectiveness of these programs. This study aims to test the validity and reliability of a physical fitness test instrument for retired martial arts athletes. Material and Methods. This study used an evaluation approach with data collected through tests and measurements. A total of 147 subjects participated. For validity testing, there were 35 retired male martial arts athletes and 37 retired female athletes. For reliability testing, there were 36 retired male and 39 retired female martial arts athletes. The instruments used included body mass index (BMI) measurements with digital scales, flexibility measurements with the sit-and-reach test, muscle strength measurements with a leg and back dynamometer, and cardiovascular endurance measurements with the Cooper test. Validity was assessed using a concurrent validity approach. Reliability was tested using the test-retest method. The Pearson product-moment correlation was used for validity analysis, while Cronbach's alpha was used to assess reliability. The JASP software was used for the analysis. Results. For male athletes, the r-values for each test item exceeded the r-table value of 0.275, confirming the validity of the body mass index (BMI), sit-and-reach test, leg and back dynamometers, and the Cooper test. Similarly, female athletes demonstrated r-values above the r-table value of 0.267, confirming the validity of all test items. The reliability of each item was confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha values, which were above the 0.7 threshold for both male and female athletes. The Cronbach's alpha value for BMI was 0.998 for both male and female athletes, indicating excellent reliability. Other test items, such as flexibility and muscle strength, also showed strong reliability, with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.742 to 0.985. Conclusions. The study highlights the importance of developing valid and reliable instruments to assess the physical fitness of retired martial arts athletes. Such instruments are essential for monitoring the effectiveness of training programs aimed at maintaining the health and fitness of retired athletes. The findings of this research confirm the value of structured fitness tests. These tests effectively evaluate key physical components such as body composition, flexibility, muscle strength, and cardiovascular endurance.

Comparison of choroidal thickness, superficial and deep retinal vascular indices, and foveal avascular zones: Martial arts athletes vs healthy non-athletes

AimThe study aims to compare choroidal thickness, deep and superficial retinal capillary plexuses, and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters in elite martial arts athletes and a healthy sedentary control group. MethodsThe study included martial arts athletes (32 individuals, 64 eyes) and healthy sedentary persons (43 individuals with healthy sedentary lifestyles, 86 eyes) aged 18–35 years. In this single non-repeated observational and cross-sectional study, choroidal thickness, superficial and deep retinal capillary plexuses, and FAZ measurements were measured using Swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) and compared between groups. ResultsNo statistically significant differences were found (p > 0.05) in age, IOP, AL (axial length), and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) parameters between groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in choroidal thickness, superficial and deep retinal capillary plexuses, and FAZ parameters determined by the OCTA method (p > 0.05). ConclusionIn our study, we observed that the retinal and choroidal structures of martial art athletes and healthy sedentary individuals were similar. This observation implies that the putative microvascular effects on the choroid and retina in martial arts, especially those based on the anaerobic energy system, may reflect similar outcomes to those observed in individuals with sedentary lifestyles characterized by healthiness.

PROSOCIAL AND ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIORS OF ATHLETES IN MARTIAL ARTS

This study aims to investigate martial art athletes' prosocial and antisocial behaviors (judo, taekwondo, and kickboxing) and determine the differences. The study group consists of a total of 394 athletes aged 14-23 from judo (n=94), taekwondo (n=150), and kickboxing (n=150), who were selected through purposive sampling among the athletes who participated in the tournaments held throughout Ankara and had various regional, national, or international degrees. The Prosocial and Antisocial Behavior in Sport Scale (PABSS), developed by Kavussanu and Boardley (2009) and translated into Turkish by Sezen Balçıkanlı (2013), was used to collect data. A t-test, one-way ANOVA analysis, and post-hoc Tukey test were conducted in the research analysis. As a result, it was found that the prosocial and antisocial behaviors of martial art athletes differed depending on the variables of gender, nationality, having practiced sports with a license for 6 years or longer, sports type, and educational status, but there was no significant difference in terms of age and belt level of athletes.

Efforts to increase Perisai Diri athletes’ agility, speed, balance and flexibility components through shuttle run, zigzag run, and formation of 8 training method

The biomotor component is an important factor for an athlete, especially athletes from the Perisai Diri martial arts school, to achieve achievements in a competition. Agility, Speed, Flexibility and Balance are four biomotor components that are very dominantly used in the training process and are often used by martial art athletes in competitions. The aim of this research was to find out shuttle run, zigzag run, and formation of 8 training method influence agility, speed, flexibility, and balance in pencak silat athletes. This research is quantitative research, with a quasi-experimental design of three balanced treatments. The sample in this research was 45 athetes from the 80 total athletes in population that selected by purposive sampling, devided in 3 groups, each group consisting of 15 athletes. Agility, speed, balance, and flexibility obtained with a valid and reliable instrument. The data analysis used in this research is the Wilcoxon test and the Kruskal Wallis test. To measure improvement using different means. The standard significance of sat is p=0.05 (5%). The results of the research prove that there is a significant comparison between shuttle running, zigzag running, zigzag running with a combination of 8 numbers, for agility and speed (p0.05), shuttle running is useful for improving balance and speed, zig-zag running is useful for improve dexterity and zigzag combines 8 figures which are useful for increasing flexibility. It can be concluded that there were significant differences between alternating training, zigzag running, and figure 8 formation running, especially in agility and speed. The back and forth running training method is useful for increasing balance and speed, the zigzag running training method is useful for increasing agility, and the figure 8 formation running method is useful for increasing flexibility.

Attenuation of short-term increased oxidative stress during martial arts competitions, and benefits of micronutrients for martial art athletes

Interest and participation in competitive Martial Arts such as Taekwondo, Karate, Kung Fu, Aikido, and Tai Chi is growing in children, adolescent as well as in adults in the USA and worldwide. Competitive Martial Arts require daily training weeks and sometimes, months prior to the start of a competition or tournament. The training period could be for a few hours daily over a period of one to six months with one or two days for every one week for rest and recovery. The types and extents of injuries after competition depend upon the form of Martial Arts and the type of physical contact. They include muscle, joint, head and neck, groin, upper and lower extremities, and soft tissues. Some acute injuries can be taken care of at home and the injured may recover quickly. Some injuries may require hospitalization and even surgery; while others may take longer period to recover and require stoppage in training. The training involves daily exercises during which moderate levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced. ROS activates a transcriptional factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2) which enhances the levels of antioxidant enzymes; and thereby, reduces oxidative stress. Because of this observation, some investigators have suggested that supplementation with micronutrient and antioxidant compounds is not necessary for reducing injuries and improving the rate of healing from injury. Appropriate diet recommended for Martial Arts athletes are sufficient to reduce oxidative damage and protect against injuries that occur during Martial Arts competitions. The use of a single antioxidant in reducing oxidative stress has produced inconsistent results in reducing the markers of oxidative stress. The limitations of such an approach are briefly discussed. This review has proposed a mixture of micronutrients which may reduce oxidative stress and improve performance in Martial Arts competitions. In addition, some beneficial effects of Martial Arts are also described.

Rapid weight loss (RWL) method on game performance of martial art athletes

Martial athletes use the rapid weight loss (RWL) method as a strategy to lose weight quickly before competing. This study was conducted to examine the prevalence of the magnitude of the impact of the RWL method used as a way to lose weight by running using a sauna suit on the physical, physiological, psychological, and performance conditions of martial athletes. The population in this study were martial arts athletes throughout Indonesia. This study uses a descriptive method by collecting data through a questionnaire instrument on google Forms which is distributed to martial athletes, especially in the fighting class. The results of the identification through the instrument were then analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results n this study were 88 martial arts athletes using the weight loss method by running using a sauna suit. The impact that occurred on athletes all experienced more than one impact of RWL on the athlete's physical condition, physiological, psychological, and performance of martial athletes which included athletes experiencing 19% of martial arts athletes experiencing muscle cramps, 26% of athletes' body temperature increasing, 7% increasing heart rate, 1% athletes experience dyspnea, 3% athletes experience injuries, 8% athletes feel irritable/increased temperament, 49% athletes experience increased fatigue, 16% athletes experience decreased performance, 9% athletes experience stress, and 17% athletes feel their sports interest is reduced.

The Comparison of the Level of Aggressiveness of Oyama Karate and Mixed Martial Art Fighters

Background: Aggressive behavior is inherent in many sports, especially martial arts. It is usually considered undesirable; nevertheless, in some cases, it can be a motivating factor in a competition. It is important to distinguish types of aggression. The aim of this study was to compare the level of aggressiveness between athletes practicing mixed martial arts (MMA) and Oyama Karate. Methods: In total, 30 Oyama Karate and 30 mixed martial art athletes were asked about their aggressive behavior. The Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire was used in the study. Results were statistically analyzed. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the performance of Oyama Karate and MMA athletes (p < 0.001), which occurred in all the types of aggression tested (anger, physical aggression, hostility, and verbal aggression). Hence, the results of the study confirmed the accuracy of the research hypothesis that the level of intensity of aggression is higher in MMA fighters than in full-contact Oyama Karate fighters. Conclusions: Physical aggression was dominant in the evaluated fighters. The greatest difference between both groups of fighters was in verbal aggression, whereas the smallest was in hostility.

The Effect of Balinese Traditional Games 'Megoak-goakan' and 'Megala-gala' on Physical Agility in Martial Arts Athletes

Agility in martial arts is very important. In martial arts, agility is used to support performances in kicks, punches, and sweeps. Quick kicks and quick punches and quick sweeps will allow an athlete to win in the tournament. This study aims to determine the effect of Balinese Traditional Games 'megoak-goakan' and 'megala-gala' on physical agility of the Banyuning Martial Arts Club Athletes. The sample of this study amounted to 36 athletes aged 10-16 years, using a random sampling technique. This research method uses quasi-experimental, data collection using the Shuttle Run test of agility. This research was conducted by dividing into two groups: the experimental group was given the practice of Balinese traditional games 'megoak-goakan' and the control group was given the practice of Balinese traditional games 'megala-gala' for six weeks, three times a week. The data were analyzed using t-test pair test with one-way ANOVA at a significance level of 0,005. The results showed that 1) the Balinese traditional games 'megoak-goakan' affect the physical agility of the Martial Art Athletes, 2) the Balinese traditional games 'megala-gala' affect the Martial Art Athletes, and 3) there is a difference in the effect between the Balinese traditional games training 'megoak-goakan' and 'megala-gala' on the physical agility of the Martial Art Athletes where the Balinese traditional games 'megala-gala' are better than the Balinese traditional games 'megoak-goakan'. This shows that Balinese traditional games 'megoak-goakan' and 'megala-gala' are very much needed for martial arts athletes because they can increase physical agility.

Do Age, Gender, and Match Experience Affect the Mental Toughness of Martial Art Athletes?

Mental factor is one of the factors that should be prepared to achieve high performing athlete. In the athlete rehearsal preparation, mental toughness condition needs to be identified to keep the athletes fit when they have some difficulties in a match, feel the pressure during the match, and take behavior control, so that they will not get stressed easily. This study aims to find whether age, gender, and match experience affect the athlete's mental toughness. The study was done to 174 (age = 19.69 ± 2.89) martial art athletes in Bekasi who were preparing themselves for a province/regional level match (PORPROV West Java 2022). Instrument of mental toughness refers to mental toughness dimension namely: control, commitment, challenge, and confidence. Data were analysed by using multiple logistic regression and cross tab. The result shows that mental toughness of martial art athletes was influenced by gender and match experience. Most of them are on the high level of mental toughness, and the majority is the men at the age of 19 to 22 who have experience in doing a national match. In addition, the relationship observed in this study emphasizes the need of coping and optimism training in mental toughness intervention.

Levels of Physical Activity and Psychological Well-Being in Non-Athletes and Martial Art Athletes during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: The objectives of this study were to identify which of the sociodemographic variables affected psychological well-being in two populations that differed in their sports practice at the end of the COVID-19 lockdown in Colombia. Methods: The study was conducted through an online survey using the IPAQ-S and PGWBI-S questionnaires six months after the first SARS-CoV-2 lockdown, between 8 and 22 September 2020 in Colombia. The total number of study participants was 582, subdivided into two groups: (i) non-athlete university population (NA) without constant practice in physical activity or sports training (n = 470); and (ii) martial arts athletes (n = 122) with a sports career (A), 7.4 ± 3.4 years of experience, at different levels (advanced belts and black belts). Results: Sports practice, normal BMI levels and high levels of physical activity translated into absence of distress (ND) in the psychological well-being of populations. The variance between the factors could be explained by the general health dimension (2.4% population; 4.2% sex; 12% physical activity; 2.6% age). A moderate correlation between vitality and MET was found (r = 0.33; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The practice of a sport such as martial arts, normal body mass index and high levels of physical activity were factors that positively reduced levels of distress, translated into better psychological well-being in populations, and the general health dimension presented important contributions to psychological well-being. Intervention plans must be carried out, especially in populations that do not practice physical activity—mainly female and those under 40 years of age.

The Effects of Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methylbutyrate on Body Composition in Trained MMA Fighters

Introduction: Nutrition plays an important role for mixed martial art (MMA) athletes preparing for competition. Additionally, nutritional supplements are widely used by athletes preparing for competition. Among the various nutritional supplements used by MMA athletes, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) is one supplement that may have positive effects on body composition during a fight camp. Methods: The current study examined 16 healthy, male professional MMA fighters (29.0±3.5 yrs.; 178.5± 7.8 cm). Participants completed a randomized, double-blinded, two group [HMB versus Placebo (Cellulose)] by two-time point [Pre-, Post-], mixed study. The study consisted of subjects supplementing HMB (3g daily) or placebo in conjunction with MMA training over a 6-week period. Supplementation was consumed after each morning training session and first thing in the morning on non-training days. Body composition was assessed via InBody770® (InBody UK, United Kingdom) for both pre- and post-intervention. Results: There were no significant (p = 0.471) differences between HMB and Placebo (Table 2) following the 6-weeks of training for weight (HMB Pre- 84.6±10.8kg, Post- 84.1±11.6kg; Placebo Pre- 87.9±14.2kg, Post- 87.9±13.5kg). There were also no significant (p = 0.095) differences for skeletal muscle mass (SMM) (HMB Pre- 42.3±5.4kg, Post- 41.8±5.1kg; Placebo Pre- 44.2±9.0kg, Post- 44.6±8.8kg). No significant (p = 0.655) differences existed for fat mass (HMB Pre- 11.3±2.5kg, Post- 11.2±3.8kg; Placebo Pre- 11.0±4.9, Post- 11.2±3.6). Lastly, no differences (p = 0.641) existed for body fat % (HMB Pre- 13.3±2.5%, Post- 13.2±3.4%; Placebo Pre- 12.8±6.4%, Post- 12.3±6.6%). Conclusion: Based on the results, the use of HMB to improve body composition in trained MMA fighters is not supported. There was also no significant difference in skeletal muscle mass during the six weeks.

Secular Trend of Body Dimensions in Highly Qualified Wrestlers

The purpose of the paper was to study the physique of highly qualified martial art athletes engaged in different types of wrestling, and to perform a retrospective analysis of the morphological characteristics of wrestlers examined since the early 1920s. The materials of the anthropometric survey of 48 athletes engaged in different types of wrestling with qualification from the candidate for master of sports and above were used for this purpose and compared to the "control group" of young men (N = 97) who were not engaged in sports (similar to the group of athletes by age, ethnicity and percentage of individuals with different weight categories). A set of morphological traits was established that contributed to the successful achievements in sports. When comparing the physique of modern athletes with that of the wrestlers surveyed in the early and mid-20th century (the 1920s and 1960s), it has been shown that the secular trend towards increase in height typical for modern population, was expressed in athletes to a much lesser extent. Striking similarities were revealed for absolute and relative dimensions characterizing the skeletal body proportions of the wrestlers, which pointed to the secular stability of this sports morphotype. The obtained results can be used as additional morphological criteria for sports selection, professional orientation and prediction of competitive success.

Эпохальный ретроспективный анализ показателей телосложения у спортсменов-единоборцев высокой квалификации

Introduction. The purpose of the paper was to study the physique of highly qualified martial art athletes engaged in different types of wrestling, and to perform a retrospective analysis of the morphological fea-tures of wrestlers examined since the early 1920s. Materials and methods. Anthropometric data of 48 male athletes who were engaged in martial arts (different types of wrestling) for many years and reached high qualifications (from a candidate for master of sports and above) were used in this study. Athletes were 18-31 years old (mean age – 20.62±0.43), almost all of Russian ethnicity, permanent residents of Moscow. For comparative analysis, the materials of the anthro-pometric survey of young men – students of different Moscow universities were taken (N = 97). The stu-dents were not involved in sports, were of the same age (20.19±0.29), of Russian ethnicity and represented with different weight categories. They were used as a "control group". Results. On the materials of the anthropometric survey of athletes engaged in different types of wrestling, in comparison with the so-called "control group", a set of morphological features was established contrib-uting to the successful achievement in sports. When comparing the physique of modern athletes and wres-tlers surveyed in the early and middle of the last century (1920s and 1960s), it is shown that the trend of the secular increase in height typical for modern population, is expressed in athletes to a much lesser extent. Striking similarities are revealed for absolute and relative dimensions characterizing the skeletal body pro-portions of the wrestlers, which indicates the secular stability of this sports morphotype. Conclusion. The obtained results demonstrate the patterns of formation of morphological features and secular stability of the morphotype of highly qualified athletes involved in different types of wrestling. Re-vealed complex of somatic features can be used as additional morphological criteria for sports selection, professional orientation and prediction of competitive success.

Self-reported experience of orofacial injury, preventive practice, and knowledge of Iranian adolescent martial art athletes towards sports-related orofacial injuries

BackgroundIncreased engagement of adolescents in martial arts exposes them to a relatively high risk of experiencing orofacial injuries. We evaluated self-reported experience of orofacial injuries, preventive practice, and knowledge of management of sport-related orofacial injuries and related factors in adolescent Karate and Taekwondo athletes in Iran.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on Iranian martial arts athletes including Karate and Taekwondo aged 11–17-year-old in 2020 via an online questionnaire. The anonymous self-administrated questionnaire had four parts: background (age, gender, duration of sports activity, training sessions per week, and previous education on orofacial injury); self-reported experience of orofacial injury; preventive practice including mouthguard and helmet use; and knowledge of emergency management of orofacial injuries. Preventive practice and knowledge scores were calculated by summing up the scores of corresponding questions (possibly range 0–7). A linear regression model and the Pearson correlation served for statistical analysis.ResultsTotally, 295 athletes with a mean age of 14.56 ± 1.91 years participated in the study. A quarter (n = 74, 25.1%) of athletes stated that they had received training on prevention of orofacial injuries. Only 3.7% (n = 11) of the participants reported the use of custom-made mouthguards, and 62% (n = 183) reported a positive history of orofacial injuries. A significant relationship existed between self-reported orofacial injury and age (β = − 0.32, p < 0.001), hours of training per week (β = 0.12, p = 0.037), type of sport (β = 0.11, p = 0.049), and previous training on orofacial injuries (β = − 0.14, p = 0.010). No difference existed in the history of orofacial injury between females (n = 114) and males (n = 69) (p = 0.374). The mean score of self-reported preventive practice and knowledge of management of orofacial injuries was 3.53 ± 1.82 (out of 7) and 1.67 ± 1.10 (out of 7), respectively. Age (β = 0.19, p = 0.002) and history of orofacial injury (β = − 0.15, p = 0.010) were associated with the score of self-reported preventive practice. Female athletes (β = 0.11, p = 0.048) and athletes who exercised more per week (β = 0.15, p = 0.012) had significantly more knowledge on management of orofacial injuries.ConclusionAdolescent athletes had relatively undesirable preventive practices and a distinct lack of knowledge. The high occurrence of self-reported orofacial injuries indicates the importance of more education and stricter rules for the athlete population.

Mental toughness of martial art athletes based on age and gender

Mental toughness is one of psyichological factors when athlete doing training or match. The function of mental toughness is to keep the atlethes fit when they have some difficulties in a match, feel the pressure during the match, and take behavior control so that they will not get stressed easily. This research aims to know mental toughness condition of the athletes through the age and gender. Data analysis techniques that we used for this research are descriptive statistic and cross tab. The sample was taken from 174 martial art atheletes (Age = 19.69 ± 2.89 ). Instrument of mental toughness refers to mental toughness dimension made by Clogh et al. (2001) which is; control, commintment, challenge, and confidence. The result of this research shows that most of them are on the high level of mental thoughness, and the majority is the men at the age of 19 to 22. In addition, the relationship that we observed in this study emphasized the need of coping and optimism training in mental toughness intervension.

The Knowledge and The Hydration Status of Junior Martial Art Athletes

The purpose of this study was to determine the adequacy of fluids in the body during training for youth athletes of martial arts. The research method uses descriptive quantitative. Data collection techniques were obtained from urine tests, interviews, and multiple choice questions on 10 athletes consisting of five male athletes and five female athletes of martial art with a maximum age criteria of 18 years. Data analysis techniques used mean, standard deviation, percentage, graph, normality, and different test Paired Sample T Test to find out the difference in the mean. Athletes' knowledge of hydration was in the moderate category and there was a significant difference (Sig. &lt;0.05) in the average hydration before and after training by the Madiun Regency martial art athletes.

Risk Estimation of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury in East Java Puslatda Pencak Silat Athletes

Background: Dr. Soetomo General Hospital Sports Clinic Surabaya reported that the incidence of knee injuries was rather high, particularly in martial art athletes. Injuries in pencak silat athletes are dominated by Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries (16.7%) Several risk factors are thought to influence ones’ propensity for these injuries.Aim: To analyze risk estimation between intrinsic and extrinsic factors in the occurrence of ACL injury in East Java Puslatda Pencak Silat Athletes.Material and Methods: This study was an analytic observational study with a case control design involving 18 pencak silat athletes from East Java Regional Training Centre. Age, gender, body mass index, previous ACL injury, range of motion, laxity, and flat foot were included as intrinsic factors; while duration of each training, training frequency, and sparring frequency were included as extrinsic factors. Data analysis was done using the Chi-Square Test. Odds Ratio was calculated through cross-tabulation.Results: It was found that 3 of 18 athletes (16.7%) had ACL injuries. None of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors significantly affected the incidence of ACL injury (p&gt; 0.05). However, the odds ratio calculation showed that adult athletes older than 25 years-old (OR = 1.4), male (OR = 1.667), obese (OR = 1.4), with laxity (OR = 2.5), and flat foot (OR = 1) had higher risk in having ACL injury.Conclusion: Adult athletes, male, obese, with laxity, and flat foot had a higher risk of ACL injury.

Explosive Power of Front Kick in The Perform of Martial Art Athletes

Introduction: Martial art is a new sport that first competed in the 18th Asian Games. The front kick techniques in matches are more often used than other techniques. This study aims to identify whether Contract-Relax Stretching (CRS) affects the athlete's front kick explosive power performance.&#x0D; Methods: This study uses one group pre-test post-test design approach. The sample population was 30 respondents. Martial art athletes are given CRS.&#x0D; Results: Analysis probability value shows significant p&lt;0.001, whereas vertical jump test increased the explosive power performance from poor to average and average to good.&#x0D; Conclusion: Performance of explosive power in the front kick of martial arts athletes increases after being given a CRS.

Upper Limb Strikes Reactive Forces in Mix Martial Art Athletes during Ground and Pound Tactics.

Athletes of mixed martial arts use a ground and pound strategy with the strikes in the dominant ground position. The aim of this study was to compare the average peak force (Fpeak) among three punches and to estimate the probability of achieving a skull bone fracture force of 5.1 kN for each type of strike in male and female athletes. A total of 60 males and 31 females (26 ± 8 years, 75 ± 20 kg, 177 ± 11 cm) practicing professional self-defense at the advanced and professional levels performed 15 strikes on a force plate. The analyses of 1360 trials showed significant differences among the strikes Fpeak in females (p < 0.01) and males (p < 0.01). Straight punches had lower Fpeak than palm strikes and elbow strikes in both genders, and palm strikes had higher Fpeak than elbow strikes in females. No difference was observed between palm strikes and elbow strikes in males (p = 0.09). The ground and pound strikes resulted in higher impacts than previously reported strikes in the standing position. Male athletes can deliver a Fpeak above 5.1 kN with a probability of 36% with elbow and palm strikes. Such forces can cause head injury; therefore, the use of these strikes in competition should be carefully considered.

Worth the Weight? Post Weigh-In Rapid Weight Gain is Not Related to Winning or Losing in Professional Mixed Martial Arts.

Body mass (BM) manipulation via rapid weight loss (RWL) and rapid weight gain (RWG) is a common practice among mixed martial art (MMA) athletes to ensure qualification for the division in which the athlete wishes to compete. Professional MMA competitors in California are required to weigh in twice: 24hr prior to competition and immediately prior to the bout after they have typically engaged in RWG. In analyzing data from five MMA events sanctioned by the Californian State Athletic Commission, the authors used Bayesian analyses to compare bout winners (n = 62) and losers (n = 62) in terms of in-competition BM (in kilograms) and the amount of BM regained between the two weigh-ins (in kilograms). These data do not support the hypothesis that differences in in-competition BM (Bayes factor [BF10] = 0.667, d = 0.23) or the amount of BM regained between the two weigh-ins (BF10 = 0.821, d = 0.23) determine winning or losing. In addition, there was no statistical difference between bouts ending via strikes, submission, or decision for either in-competition BM (BF10 = 0.686, ω2 < 0.01) or the amount of BM regained between the two weigh-ins (BF10 = 0.732, ω2 = 0.054). In conclusion, the authors report for the first time that the magnitude of RWG does not predict winning or losing in a professional cohort of MMA athletes. In addition, they also report that MMA athletes typically compete at a BM that is at least 1-2 divisions higher than the division in which they officially weighed-in. These analyses may provide impetus for governing bodies and coaches to enact changes at both professional and amateur levels to reduce negative health consequences associated with extreme RWL and RWG.