Mixed Martial Arts Training Research Articles

Applying an ecological dynamics framework to mixed martial arts training

ABSTRACT In this paper, we outline an ecological approach to training in mixed martial arts (MMA) to support coaches in helping fighters coordinate skilled movement solutions to the ever-changing problems they encounter in the cage. Orienting one’s perspective on the fighter-cage system may require coaches to re-align their role towards being designers of alive and representative training sessions that are filled with opportunities for (inter)actions, where constraints are purposefully manipulated to facilitate the emergence of skilled behaviours for mixed martial artists of all levels. We conclude by offering three case examples ranging from amateurs to professional champions to highlight the significance of adopting an ecological dynamics framework in MMA.

The Relationships Between External and Internal Training Loads in Mixed Martial Arts.

As a multidisciplined combat sport, relationships between external and internal training loads and intensities of mixed martial arts (MMA) have not been described. The aim of this study was to determine the external loads and intensities of MMA training categories and their relationship to internal loads and intensities. Twenty MMA athletes (age = 23.3 [5.3] y, mass = 72.1 [7.2]kg, stature = 171.5 [8.4]cm) were observed for 2 consecutive weeks. Internal load and intensity (session rating of perceived exertion [sRPE]) were calculated using the Foster RPE for the session overall (sRPE-training load [TL]) and segmented RPE (segRPE-TL) for each training category: warm-up, striking drills, wrestling drills, Brazilian jiujitsu (BJJ) drills, striking sparring, wrestling sparring, BJJ sparring, and MMA sparring. External load and intensity were measured via Catapult OptimEye S5 for the full duration of each session using accumulated Playerload (PLdACC) and PLdACC per minute (PLdACC·min-1). Differences in loads between categories and days were assessed via Bayesian analysis of variance (BF10 ≥ 3). Predictive relationships between internal and external variables were calculated using Bayesian regression. Session overall sRPE-TL = 448.6 (191.1)arbitrary units (AU); PLdACC = 310.6 (112)AU. Category segRPE-TL range = 33.8 (22.6)AU (warm-up) to 122.8 (54.6)AU (BJJ drills). Category PLdACC range = 44 (36.3)AU (warm-up) to 125 (58.8)AU (MMA sparring). Neither sRPE-TL nor PLdACC changed between days. PLdACC was different between categories. Evidence for regressions was strong-decisive except for BJJ drills (BF10 = 7, moderate). R2 range = .50 to .77, except for warm-up (R2 = .17), BJJ drills (R2 = .27), BJJ sparring (R2 = .49), and session overall (R2 = .13). While MMA training categories may be differentiated in terms of external load, overall session external load does not change within or between weeks. Resultant regression equations may be used to appropriately plan MMA technical/tactical training loads.

Suggestions for Professional Mixed Martial Arts Training With Pacing Strategy and Technical-Tactical Actions by Rounds.

Antoniettô, NR, Bello, FD, Carrenho Queiroz, AC, Berbert de Carvalho, PH, Brito, CJ, Amtmann, J, and Miarka, B. Suggestions for professional mixed martial arts training with pacing strategy and technical-tactical actions by rounds. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-This study compared the pacing strategy and motor actions used in mixed martial arts combats ending by knockout/technical knockout (KO/TKO) or submission. All of the sample bouts ended in KO/TKO and consisted of 1,564 rounds of 678 bouts. The bouts were separated by round (R) of bouts ending (ER) in the first round (n = 192), first (1R × 2ER) and second (2R × 2ER) of bouts ending in the second round (n = 172), and first (1R × 3ER), second (2R × 3ER), and third (3R × 3ER) of bouts ending in the third round (n = 1,200). The analyses were performed according to the duration ([INCREMENT]) in each phase: [INCREMENT] standing preparatory activity time, [INCREMENT] standing combat activity time, [INCREMENT] ground preparatory activity time, and [INCREMENT] ground combat activity time and their technical-tactical actions (attempted and landed strikes to the head, body and leg, takedowns, and submissions). The main results demonstrated a shorter [INCREMENT] standing preparatory activity time in 1R × 1ER (95.6 ± 62.9 seconds) and 2R × 2ER (93.6 ± 67.9 seconds) vs. 2R × 3ER (160.5 ± 87.4 seconds) and 3R × 3ER (144.0 ± 88.5 seconds) with fewer strikes attempted and landed to the head, body, and legs (p ≤ 0.05). No differences were observed (p > 0.05) between [INCREMENT] standing combat activity time, but lower attempted and landed takedowns and strikes to the head, body, and leg frequencies. There were shorter [INCREMENT] ground combat activity time (p ≤ 0.05) in 1R × 1ER (23.4 ± 45.5) and 2R × 2ER (25.3 ± 41.9) vs. 2R × 3ER (50.4 ± 69.9) and 3R × 3ER (52.9 ± 74.2), with lower attempted submissions, chokes, and attempted and landed strikes to the head, body, and leg frequencies observed. These results contribute to the information developed from current research to help improve the quality of training and promote effective athletic preparation related to pacing strategy and performance models.

Dysregulation of miR-155 Expression in Professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Fighters.

Psychological and physical stress can induce dysregulation of gene expression via changes in DNA methylation and microRNA (miRNA) expression. Such epigenetic modifications are yet to be investigated in professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters subject to highly stressful training involving repetitive head impacts. This study examined differences in DNA methylation and miRNA expression in elite MMA fighters compared to active controls. Global methylation differences between groups were assessed via a LINE-1 assay. At the same time, PCR arrays were used to estimate differential expression in samples of 21 fighters and 15 controls for 192 different miRNAs associated with inflammatory diseases. An Independent-Samplest-Test found no significant difference in LINE-1 methylation between groups. However, an Independent-Samples Mann-Whitney U Test revealed a significant upregulation in the expression of miR-155 in MMA fighter plasma. Since miR-155 has been recognized as an important regulator of neuroinflammation, this dysregulation suggests a possible epigenetic mechanism responsible for chronic inflammation associated with professional-level MMA training. Consistent with other published works, this study highlights the potential of miR-155 not only as a biomarker for monitoring long-term health risks linked to head trauma but also as a target to remediate the impact of chronic neuroinflammation.

The physical demands of mixed martial arts: A narrative review using the ARMSS model to provide a hierarchy of evidence

ABSTRACT The physical demands of mixed martial arts (MMA) training and competition is not yet well quantified. The Applied Research Model for the Sport Sciences (ARMSS) provides a framework through which to conduct sport science, determining pertinent questions to test research findings in real-world settings. The aim of this review was to evaluate MMA research within the context of ARMSS to critically analyse our understanding of the physical requirements of MMA training and competition. Research databases were searched, with 70 peer-reviewed articles being discussed in relation to the specific stage of the ARMSS in which their results best fit. MMA research was found to be mostly foundational and descriptive in nature and has generally not developed along systematic lines. The internal and external loads and responses to training and competition have not been adequately identified. Therefore, it is not currently possible to state which variables are key predictors of success, or how coaches can optimally manipulate these variables. We propose that MMA research be refocused to be conducted within ARMSS. Specifically, stage 2 studies describing the physical, physiological and technical demands of MMA training and competition, and stage 3 studies determining the physiological predictors of performance should be initially prioritised.

Assessment Of Neurological Function In Mixed Martial Arts Fighters Following A Single Training Session

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a combat sport that utilizes a variety of striking, grappling, and submission techniques in training and competition. Consequently, MMA fighters routinely incur head impacts that may put them at risk for mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and/or neurodegenerative brain disease later in life. Fighters compete rather infrequently, though often train year-round; thus, cumulative exposure to injury is higher during training than competition. However, the neurologic effects of MMA training sessions are unknown. PURPOSE: To determine if a single MMA training session is associated with impaired neurologic function of MMA fighters. METHODS: Ten amateur and professional MMA fighters (8 men, 2 women; 26.3 ± 2.6 yr) were evaluated at baseline and immediately following an MMA training session (post-training), using several objective assessments of neurologic function. Participants were evaluated for eye movement speed and accuracy (King-Devick test; KD); VOMS, near point convergence (Vestibular / Ocular-Motor Screening; NC), hand-eye reaction time (FitLight Trainer; RT), visuomotor ability (FitLight Trainer; VM), static balance (Wii Balance Board; SB), and multiple object tracking speed (NeuroTracker; MOT). RESULTS: Total KD times were significantly faster following a training session (35.86 ± 8.05 vs. 43.34 ± 8.92 s; P < 0.001). Likewise, RT (0.43 ± 0.04 vs. 0.48 ± 0.04 s; P = 0.003) and VM (1.06 ± 0.22 vs. 1.20 ± 0.25 s; P = 0.011) times improved significantly following training. MOT speed (2.15 ± 0.26 vs. 2.03 ± 0.34 m·s-1; P = 0.442) and NC distance (5.18 ± 5.12 vs. 6.62 ± 5.85 cm; P = 0.284) also improved following training, although these changes were not significant. SB was virtually identical from baseline to post-training (2.27 ± 0.95 vs. 2.27±1.30 cm2; P = 0.994). CONCLUSION: Compared to baseline measures, some assessments of neurologic function revealed significant changes after a single MMA training session. Contrary to what was expected, all significant changes were the result of improved performance from baseline to post-training. Based on these findings, neurologic function of MMA fighters does not appear to be impaired following a single training session. Furthermore, MMA training bouts may be associated with acute improvements in eye movement, reaction time and visuomotor ability.

The pacing of mixed martial arts sparring bouts: A secondary investigation with new analyses of previous data to support accelerometry as a potential method of monitoring pacing

PurposeBody-worn accelerometry has been shown to be reliable and used to measure the external load of mixed martial arts (MMA) via the Playerload metric. These measurements were only reported on a round-by-round basis, offering little indication of minute-by-minute load changes. Understanding these changes may provide a proxy measure of fatigue, readiness, and the onset of non-functional overreaching. It is also unclear as to what Playerload is measuring in MMA. This study was a secondary investigation of previously reported data to describe minute-by-minute changes in external load in MMA.MethodsSix male MMA competitors participated in a 3 × 5 minute sparring bout wearing a Catapult Minimax × 3, which recorded accumulated Playerload. The bouts were video-recorded. Time-motion analysis was used to determine: total active time; total inactive time; high-intensity time; low-intensity time; standing time; grounded time; striking time; non-striking time.ResultsBayesian repeated measures ANOVA found statistically relevant differences in accumulated Playerload for each minute of sparring (BF&lt;sub&gt;10&lt;/sub&gt; = 410) with no statistically relevant differences between winners and losers. Bayesian correlations revealed a direct, nearly perfect relationship between accumulated Playerload and total active time (&lt;i&gt;r&lt;/i&gt; = 0.992, BF&lt;sub&gt;10&lt;/sub&gt; = 9,666). No other relationships between Playerload and time-motion analysis results were observed, despite Bayesian t-tests finding differences between standing time and grounded time (BF&lt;sub&gt;10&lt;/sub&gt; = 83.7), striking time and non-striking time (BF&lt;sub&gt;10&lt;/sub&gt; = 1,419).ConclusionsPlayerload reflects overall active movement in MMA and measures active movement minute-by-minute changes but cannot distinguish between different modes or intensities of movement. This should be investigated further as a potential measure of fatigue and non-functional overreaching during MMA training.

Anthropometric and Physiological Profile of Mixed Martial Art Athletes: A Brief Review.

The aim of this review was to analyze the existing knowledge of the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of MMA (mixed martial arts). A computerized search was performed in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases for English-language, peer-reviewed investigations using the term “mixed martial arts” or “MMA” alone and in combination with “physiological characteristics”, “physiological profile”, “body composition”, “strength”, “power”, “endurance”, “aerobic”, and “anaerobic”. The main findings of this review suggested an overall profile of low body fat, high flexibility, muscle strength, muscle endurance, and anaerobic power, and average cardiovascular endurance. Nevertheless, no differences in anthropometric and physiological characteristics by performance level of the athletes were observed. Based on the studies analyzed in this review, several limitations were reported. First, the subjects in each paper were limited in number, as is MMA literature itself, and it is impossible to make a generalization regarding the anthropometric and physiological profile for male athletes. Second, no studies included female MMA athletes; therefore, there was no evidence for what their profiles might be. Last, the majority of the above-mentioned studies used different tests, or the same tests with different protocols, and as a result, it is difficult to compare their results. The similarity observed between the levels of the athletes might be a result of the different tests and protocols used by the researchers or might be evidence that the anthropometric and physiological profile of an MMA athlete did not vary among high-level athletes. Considering the increasing number of those engaging in MMA training and sport events, the findings of the present study provided strength and conditioning trainers working with MMA athletes a valuable tool for monitoring training and performance.

‘The Nordic female fighter’: Exploring women’s participation in mixed martial arts in Norway and Sweden

The purpose of this article is to investigate women’s participation in mixed martial arts in the Nordic countries. The study is based on a qualitative and quantitative methodological approach consisting of individual interviews and focus group interviews with Swedish female mixed martial arts fighters and data from a Norwegian survey of participants in Norwegian mixed martial arts clubs. A total of 12 female fighters were interviewed, while 484 respondents participated in the survey. The results show that women exercising mixed martial arts contain a potential to act as feminist role models through their counter-hegemonic renegotiation of norms and views on femininity and, more specifically, the perception of femininity as something fragile and passive. Despite this progressive potential, the informants unanimously affirm that combat sports in general and in different ways are dominated by males. The data indicates that women still represent a small and marginalised group among mixed martial arts participants in the Nordic countries. Furthermore, women participating in mixed martial arts compete less and are less motivated by performance enhancement (developing as fighters, winning fights/tournaments/titles) compared to the male participants. However, both male and female participants value health and fun as the most important reasons for their participation in mixed martial arts training groups.

A Rare Cause of Critical Carotid Stenosis

Blunt carotid artery injuries are uncommon, usually occur in a delayed fashion, and most commonly after significant blunt-force mechanism. Choke holds, use of pressure points, and other close-combat techniques used in military or mixed martial arts training can have the same kinetic impact as a motor vehicle crash. We present an unusual case of common carotid fibrosis which required surgery and suggest that duplex ultrasound might be an appropriate screening tool in those who regularly participate in such training.

The physiological response to cold-water immersion following a mixed martial arts training session.

Combative sport is one of the most physically intense forms of exercise, yet the effect of recovery interventions has been largely unexplored. We investigated the effect of cold-water immersion on structural, inflammatory, and physiological stress biomarkers following a mixed martial arts (MMA) contest preparation training session in comparison with passive recovery. Semiprofessional MMA competitors (n = 15) were randomly assigned to a cold-water immersion (15 min at 10 °C) or passive recovery protocol (ambient air) completed immediately following a contest preparation training session. Markers of muscle damage (urinary myoglobin), inflammation/oxidative stress (urinary neopterin + total neopterin (neopterin + 7,8-dihydroneopterin)), and hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA) activation (saliva cortisol) were determined before, immediately after, and 1, 2, and 24 h postsession. Ratings of perceived soreness and fatigue, counter movement jump, and gastrointestinal temperature were also measured. Concentrations of all biomarkers increased significantly (p < 0.05) postsession. Cold water immersion attenuated increases in urinary neopterin (p < 0.05, d = 0.58), total neopterin (p < 0.05, d = 0.89), and saliva cortisol after 2 h (p < 0.05, d = 0.68) and urinary neopterin again at 24 h (p < 0.01, d = 0.57) in comparison with passive recovery. Perceived soreness, fatigue, and gastrointestinal temperatures were also lower for the cold-water immersion group at several time points postsession whilst counter movement jump did not differ. Combative sport athletes who are subjected to impact-induced stress may benefit from immediate cold-water immersion as a simple recovery intervention that reduces delayed onset muscle soreness as well as macrophage and HPA activation whilst not impairing functional performance.

The Effect of an Intervention Program on Functional Movement Screen Test Scores in Mixed Martial Arts Athletes

This study assessed the basic fundamental movements of mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes using the functional movement screen (FMS) assessment and determined if an intervention program was successful at improving results. Participants were placed into 1 of the 2 groups: intervention and control groups. The intervention group was required to complete a corrective exercise program 4 times per week, and all participants were asked to continue their usual MMA training routine. A mid-intervention FMS test was included to examine if successful results were noticed sooner than the 8-week period. Results highlighted differences in FMS test scores between the control group and intervention group (p = 0.006). Post hoc testing revealed a significant increase in the FMS score of the intervention group between weeks 0 and 8 (p = 0.00) and weeks 0 and 4 (p = 0.00) and no significant increase between weeks 4 and 8 (p = 1.00). A χ analysis revealed that the intervention group participants were more likely to have an FMS score >14 than participants in the control group at week 4 (χ = 7.29, p < 0.01) and week 8 (χ = 5.2, p ≤ 0.05). Finally, a greater number of participants in the intervention group were free from asymmetry at week 4 and week 8 compared with the initial test period. The results of the study suggested that a 4-week intervention program was sufficient at improving FMS scores. Most if not all, the movements covered on the FMS relate to many aspects of MMA training. The knowledge that the FMS can identify movement dysfunctions and, furthermore, the fact that the issues can be improved through a standardized intervention program could be advantageous to MMA coaches, thus, providing the opportunity to adapt and implement new additions to training programs.