Weight Divisions Research Articles

Assessing the Incidence of Head Trauma in Australian Mixed Martial Arts: A Retrospective Analysis of Fight Outcomes.

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is experiencing a surge in popularity in Australia. Previous research has suggested knockout (KO) and technical knockout (TKO) are frequent outcomes during competition, raising concern about the brain health of athletes. This study aims to describe fight outcomes in Australian MMA and to explore differences in fight-ending outcomes between male and female athletes, amateur and professional competition, and different weight classes. There is no difference in the incidence of KO/TKO between level of competition, sex, and weight class. Descriptive epidemiology study. Level 3. Retrospective analysis of 143 Australian MMA events from 2020 to 2023 was conducted using video replay to assess fight outcomes between sex and level of competition. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine relationships between weight class and KO/TKO fight outcomes. Male competition (34%) had a significantly greater number of KO/TKO secondary to head strikes fight outcomes compared with female competition (23%) (P = 0.01). The KO/TKO rate secondary to head strikes for amateur and professional male competition was 16.6 and 18.7 per 100 athlete-exposures (AEs), respectively. The amateur and professional female rate was 12.6 and 7.4 per 100 AEs, respectively. Amateur male light heavyweight and heavyweight, and professional male heavyweight were at greater odds of a KO or TKO compared with other weight classes in their equivalent level of competition. There is a sex and professional level disparity in the incidence of fight-ending head trauma in Australian MMA. The study findings highlight the urgent need for targeted safety protocols and medical oversight, particularly for men in heavier weight classes. This study highlights the need for enhanced safety protocols and medical oversight in Australian MMA, particularly for male athletes in heavier weight divisions.

Exploring boxers' experiences of fear using Reflexive Thematic Analysis: Fear can be a longtime companion, guide and motivator

Injury, and the pain associated with it, are recurrent elements in boxing, differentiating it from other sports in that they expose the athlete to an unavoidable existential threat (Sarkar & Fletcher, 2014, J Sports Sci, 32). Limited literature exists on the experiences of fear within the context of sport and on how it differs from anxiety (Hanin, 2000, Emotions in Sport, Champaign, Il: Human Kinetics; Nicholls & Polman, 2007, J Sports Sci, 25, 11-31). This study used a reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006, Qual Res Psych, 3; Braun et al., 2016, in B. Smith & A. Sparks (Ed.) Routledge Handbook of Qualitative Research in Sport and Exercise (195-203). London, New York: Routledge) to investigate how the two concepts are different from one another and how they are made sense of among professional boxers. The living individual experiences of boxers facing these stressors qualified them to be suitable subjects to learn from on the topic through a generic qualitative interpretative approach (Smith & Sparks, 2016) underpinned by relativist ontology and constructivist epistemology (Sandberg, 2005, Org Res Meth, 8, 41-68). The analysis of sixteen podcasts (available online; Alberton, 2022, Martial Attitude Voice: Spotify), with professional boxers (male/female) of different weight divisions, produced four overarching themes: 1. Fear and anxiety go hand in hand; Although nuanced as different, they can be perceived as one, apprehensive anticipation of future protective reactions to an immediate direct threat. It is argued that this anxiety/fear fusion to be a novel kind of appraisal; 2. Fear keeps us alive; Fear was re-framed as intrinsic/extrinsic greater motivator, as the boxers described how it guided and enabled them to prepare for matches with discipline. Moreover, fear was depicted as a useful tool weaponized by the boxers, providing important feedback. 3. The fear of losing everything is right there in boxers’ faces; Fear of injury is theorized to be a pivotal stressor feeding fears of possible future disabilities or death, that is the ultimate failure in life as much as in the ring; 4. Coping with fear is to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations. Self-efficacy mediated structured resilience whilst discipline was the rationalized tool to withstand the emotional task of the physical fight. Fear as an inherent component of professional boxing is highlighted as important for policymaking, whilst alternative approaches could address present limitations. Theoretical/practical implications for future interventions bespoke to boxing is considered.

Somatotipo de Judo Argentino de Elite

Introduction: The objective of the study was to determine the somatotype of the Argentine judokas of the senior category, who took part at the Argentine national championship of 2021, and to compare them between groups of body weight division. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 91 judokas participating in the national championship (24 women and 67 men). The somatotype was calculated using the Heath-Carter method. Results: The mean value of the female somatotype was 4.24-5.75-1.05 for the endomorphic, mesomorphic, and ectomorphic components, respectively. The mean male somatotype value was 2.44-5.1-1.7. Each group was divided into 4 categories: light, medium, heavy, and weightless. The somatotype values of the women's lightweight category were 2.9-4.5-2.2, women's medium 4.1-5.2-1.5, women's heavy 4.8-5.8-0.6 and, women's free weight 6.8-10.1--2.3. For males, the values were: light 1.7-4.2-3, medium 2.4-5.2-1.4, heavy 4.5-6.8--0.2 and free weight 7.8-10.7--2.5. Conclusion: Differentiation by division of body weight makes it necessary to classify the somatotype more specifically since differences are found between the groups. The highest value of the endomorphic component was found in the weight-free categories, for both sexes. The highest ectomorphy scores were given in both lightweight categories. There is a coincidence of the mesomorphic component of the medium-weight group for both sexes. The data presented constitute a specific reference useful for evaluating and monitoring elite national judokas. It is considered relevant to link the somatotype with body composition, specific physical tests, and, sports results, to establish a better profile of the Argentine judoka.

In-contest body acceleration profiles for the judo male and female weight divisions.

This study aimed to determine the body accelerations (BA) profile of the judo contest of the male and female weight divisions and to ascertain the involvement of the vertical, mediolateral and anteroposterior axes in it. Forty-eight male and forty-eight female national and international level athletes (some of them medalists in World, European and national championships) participated in a 5-min simulated contest (official fight time plus breaks) against an opponent of the same sex and weight division, wearing an accelerometer. Heart rate, blood lactate and ratings of perceived exertion were recorded to certify that the athletes performed the fullest. The t2way test expressed differences in the athletes' BA (p = 0.001) and three profiles were identified: the light/middle weight male divisions, the light/middle weight female divisions and the heavy male and female ones. Athletes of all weight divisions performed their BA during the contest in all three directions (the one-sample Person's chi-square did not detect any significantly predominant one: p = 0.400, p = 0.631, p = 0.844, p = 0.749, p = 0.644 and p = 0.895, for male light, moderate and heavy, female light, moderate and heavyweight athletes, respectively). Monte Carlo method simulations suggested as the most likely scenarios those with BA involving all axes, with a slight preference of the anteroposterior and mediolateral ones. These results suggest that the demands on judo athletes in a contest differ between weight classes and sexes.

Identification of High and Low Voltage Ride-Through Control Parameters for Electromechanical Transient Modeling of Photovoltaic Inverter

The electromechanical transient model of a photovoltaic (PV) inverter’s high and low voltage ride-through has complex operating circumstances and a large number of control parameters, which makes parameter adjustment difficult. Furthermore, it is frequently challenging to identify a single set of control parameters that can successfully handle a variety of operating conditions. The Improved Differential Evolution Particle Swarm Optimization (IDEPSO) algorithm is proposed in this paper to provide a control parameter identification technique for high and low voltage ride-through that addresses these problems. Taking a 320kW PV inverter of a certain company as the research object, based on the specified current control strategy of high and low voltage ride-though, the parameters to be identified were determined by analyzing the influence of model parameters. Secondly, To enhance the algorithm’s capability to solve multidimensional optimization problems, convergence speed, and global search ability, the Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm’s search mechanism is incorporated into the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, along with a non-fixed gradient inertia weight strategy for the algorithm’s inertia weight and the elite retention idea for the cross factor. Then, the objective function of the IDEPSO algorithm was built based on the concept of minimum deviation between simulation data and various groups of test data, and the significance of various working conditions was distinguished by weight division to improve the robustness of identification parameters. Finally, the identification parameters are imported into the PSASP program type 2 photovoltaic power station model, and the interval division and deviation calculation of the test data and simulation data are carried out. It is confirmed that the identification parameters meet the standards of the maximum variation permitted in GB/T 32892-2016 and are appropriate for a variety of working scenarios.

Enhancing performance: unveiling the physiological impact of submaximal and supramaximal tests on mixed martial arts athletes in the -61kg and -66kg weight divisions.

This study delves into the intricate details of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) by examining key variables such as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), aerobic energy (EAER), anaerobic energy (EAN), and accumulated O2 deficit (DOA). By investigating associations and comparing athletes in the -61kg bantamweight and -66kg featherweight weight divisions, we aim to shed light on their physiological characteristics. The sample consisted of 20 male volunteers separated into two paired groups: ten athletes in the category up to 61kg (age: 27.7 ± 5.9years old, height: 170.9 ± 3.4cm, body mass: 72.8 ± 1.4kg, fat percentage: 9.5% ± 3.0%, professional experience: 7.5 ± 7.1years) and ten athletes up to 66kg (age: 27.6 ± 2.9years old, height: 176.0 ± 5.5cm, body mass: 77.0 ± 1.5kg, fat percentage: 7.85% ± 0.3%, professional experience: 5.5 ± 1.5years). Remarkably, our findings revealed striking similarities between the two weight divisions. Furthermore, we discovered a negative correlation between VO2 peak and the number of MMA fights, indicating a potential impact of professional experience on aerobic capacity (r = -0.65, p < 0.01). Additionally, the number of fights exhibited negative correlations with anaerobic energy (r = -0.53, p < 0.05) and total energy cost (r = -0.54, p < 0.05). These results provide valuable insights for designing training programs in the context of MMA. While training both weight divisions together can be beneficial, it is equally crucial to incorporate specific weight-class-focused training to address each division's unique physical demands and requirements.

Cracking the code of health security: unveiling the balanced indices through rank-ordered effect analysis

BackgroundHealth security is a critical issue which involves multiple dimensions. It has received increasing attention in recent years, especially in China. In order to improve the national health level, China has made many efforts, such as the “Healthy China 2030” plan proposed several years ago. However, due to the complexity of its national conditions and the difficulty of index design, the results of these efforts are not significant. Therefore, it is necessary to construct a new measurement index system.MethodsBased on the questionnaire of “Health China 2030”, we have collected a total of 3,000 participants from all 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China. We used statistical methods such as multiple correspondence analysis and rank-ordered effect analysis to process the data. The balance index is constructed by a series of actions such as weight division, order calculation and ranking.ResultsThrough multiple correspondence analysis, we can find that there was a close relation in the correspondence space between the satisfaction degrees 1, 2, and 3, while a far distance from satisfaction degrees 4 and 5. There were four positive and four negative indices separately based on the average expected level and four clusters after ordinal rank cluster analysis. Generally speaking, there are no prominent discrepancies across gender and residential areas.ConclusionsWe created and examined balanced indicators for health security in China based on the “Health China 2030” questionnaire. The findings of this study give insight into the overall situation of health security in China and indicate opportunities for improvement.

Effectiveness of Protective Measures and Rules in Reducing the Incidence of Injuries in Combat Sports: A Scoping Review.

In recent years, much effort has been made to reduce the injury rate in combat sports. However, the question remains to what extent these measures are effective. Analysis of studies could provide evidence of the effectiveness of measures aimed at reducing the incidence of injuries. This scoping review aims (1) to map research articles dealing with the effectiveness of proper use of protective measures in reducing the incidence of injuries in combat sports; (2) to investigate to what extent the proper use of protective measures and compliance with sports rules help to reduce the incidence of injuries in combat sports; and (3) to identify gaps in the existing literature and suggest future research on this topic. The literature search was conducted on articles published between 2010 and 2023. The main inclusion criteria were studies investigating the effect of sports rules and protective equipment used during training or competition in combat sports on reducing the incidence of injuries. After meeting the criteria, only seven articles from boxing, karate, and taekwondo were included in this study. Results showed that mandatory head guards, along with modern thicker gloves, significantly reduced the rate of knockouts (KOs) and head injuries in boxing despite an increase in the number of head blows. However, the number of facial cuts increased significantly due to the removal of head guards as a piece of mandatory equipment. The use of mouth guards has significantly reduced the number of oral injuries. Changes in rules, such as shortening the duration of bouts, along with the introduction of greater competencies of referees in the supervision of bouts (the standing count, outclassed rule, and medical stops) have helped to reduce the rate of injuries in boxing. The application of a computerised scoring system also contributed to the rate of injuries reduction. The increase in the number of weight divisions had the same effect on U21 karate athletes. However, a higher incentive to attack the head area in taekwondo did not increase the incidence of injuries in youth athletes. It can be concluded that the proper use of protective measures (head and mouth guards) in combination with the rules established for health protection (higher competencies of referees and more weight divisions in competitions) effectively reduces the occurrence of injuries in combat sports. In all Olympic combat sports, the injury incidence should be regularly assessed using the Injury Incidence Rate (IIR) per 1000 min exposures (MEs). Nonetheless, further studies are needed to monitor how established rules (e.g., prohibited behaviour) affect the IIRs.

Hubungan Aktivitas Fisik dengan Kejadian Obesitas pada Usia Dewasa di Puskesmas Banyuanyar

The obesity rate in the world is quite high, with as many as 1 million people. Obesity is mostly experienced by adults as many as 650 million people. This is due to low physical activity. The effects of obesity include diabetes and hearth disease. The study aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between physical activity and the incidence of obesity in adults at the Banyuanyar Public Health Center. This with a correlation design, uses a cross-sectional approach, data collection techniques use purposive sampling, a sampel of 85 responden, the instrument used to measure physical activity uses the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) questionnaire and BMI is measured using the weight division formula. (kg) by the square of the height (). Of the univariate analysis shows that 47,1% of respondents were in the low category of physical activity, and 30,6% of respondents were in class 2 obesity. Bivariate results showed that the relationship between physical activity and the incidence of obesity in adulthood obtained a p-value of 0,007 (&lt;0.05). There is a relationship between physical activity and the incidence of obesity in adults a the Banyuanyar Health Center.

Behavior of female judo weight divisions on approach and grip phases in different judo rules: The top 20 athletes from the 2016 and 2020 Olympic cycles

In judo combat, the approach and gripping phases play a crucial role in determining victory, and it is believed that they can be influenced by the current rules. The objective of this study was to compare the technical-tactical actions executed by female judokas in the approach and gripping subphases during international competitions held in the 2016 and 2020 Olympic cycles, which featured different rules. We analyzed 1332 combat videos from the top 20 female judo athletes in the world rankings. These videos were equally distributed across weight divisions in the 2016 and 2020 Olympic cycles (48 kg = 132; 52 kg = 72; 57 kg = 109; 63 kg = 96; 70 kg = 69; 78 kg = 106; >78 kg = 82; total = 666 combats per cycle). The athletes in the 2020 cycle spent more time executing approach actions without contact with the judogi (formless: 2020 = 26.9; 2016 = 21.3 s; p < 0.001) and less time attempting grips (2020 = 24.6; 2016 = 31.2 s; p < 0.001) than the 2016 athletes. Additionally, the 2020 athletes spent less time on one-handed grips (left collar: 2020 = 7.1; 2016 = 7.9 s; p = 0.017; right sleeve: 2020 = 4.6; 2016 = 5.6 s; p = 0.018; left sleeve: 2020 = 4.7; 2016 = 5.2 s; p = 0.031) compared to the 2016 athletes. In both Olympic cycles, athletes devoted the most time to traditional grips (left collar right sleeve: 2016 = 12.3 ± 19.9; 2020 = 12.2 ± 17.5; right collar left sleeve: 2016 = 11.5 ± 20.6; 2020 = 12.3 ± 19.9 s). Differences in the approach subphases between Olympic cycles had varying impacts on different weight divisions (formless = 52 kg, 57 kg, 78 kg; right anteroposterior = 52 kg, 57 kg, 70 kg; grip attempts = 57 kg, 63 kg, 70 kg, 78 kg, >78 kg; p < 0.05), as did changes in grip types (right collar; left collar; left sleeve = 70 kg; right sleeve = >78 kg; right dorsal = 63 kg; left dorsal = 63 kg, 78 kg; right collar left sleeve = 48 kg, 52 kg; right dorsal left sleeve = 78 kg; right dorsal left collar = 48 kg, 70 kg; right dorsal left dorsal = 48 kg, 63 kg; p < 0.05). There were notable technical-tactical shifts in the behavior of female athletes between the Olympic cycles with different rules, and these findings should be taken into account for specialized training in female judo.

Weight cutting in female UFC fighters.

It is common practice for fight sport athletes to use a variety of weight manipulation strategies to compete in desired weight classes. Although numerous studies have highlighted rapid weight loss (RWL) strategies and the magnitude of weight loss, few have focused specifically on weight loss in female fighters. The purpose of this study was to provide descriptive information on professional UFC female fighters engaging in RWL in all women's UFC weight divisions: strawweight (52.2 kg): flyweight (56.7 kg); bantamweight (61.2 kg); featherweight (65.8 kg). All fighter's weights were obtained at five separate time points: 72 hrs. pre-weigh-in, 48 hrs. pre-weigh-in, 24hrs. pre-weigh-in, official weigh-in, and 24 hrs. post-weigh-in (competition weight). Mixed effects models and random effects analysis were used to assess changes in weight and differences between weight divisions. All statistics were analyzed, and significance was set atp ≤0.05. Significant changes in weight between all time points were reported. No statistical differences between weight divisions were observed. Female fighters lost 4.5-6.6% of their weight prior to the official weigh-in. Females engaged in RWL practices lose weight in a similar fashion irrespective of weight class.

A robust fusion terrain-aided navigation method with a single beam echo sounder

The underwater terrain-aided navigation (TAN) method with a single beam echo sounder (SBES) can achieve long-term underwater navigation. However, due to the limited bathymetric measurements collected using a SBES, the accuracy and robustness of the TAN method are affected by a variety of factors, such as the richness of terrain features and the gradient of underwater terrain. Consequently, the SBES-TAN methods with gridded or contour priori maps cannot yield robust navigational results for long-range autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). To address this issue, this paper proposed a robust fusion TAN (RFTAN) method with a SBES on the basis of particle filter (PF) theory to locate a vehicle accurately. In the proposed method, both terrain positioning results provided by gridded-TAN and contour-TAN were fused to weigh a particle, with the fuzzy-theory-based fusion weight division (FWD) method. Playback experiments were conducted using 25-h-length field data collected from an at-sea experiment, and experimental results show that the proposed method can provide both robust and accurate long-term navigational results for AUVs.

Effects of weight divisions in time-motion of female high-level Brazilian Jiu-jitsu combat behaviors.

Coaches and psychologists can use time-motion analysis to elaborate specific interventions for female BJJ athletes, increasing specific training context and reducing unnecessary psychological and physical demands and injuries. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze high-level BJJ female athletes in the 2020 Pan-American Games by comparing the weight categories on the time-motion analysis. The time-motion analysis (i.e., approach, gripping, attack, defensive actions, transition, mounting, guard, side control, and submissions) of 422 high-level female BJJ combats was divided and compared by weight category as follows: Rooster (n = 8), Light Feather (n = 18), Feather (n = 122), Light (n = 84), Middle (n = 74), Medium Heavy (n = 44), Heavy (n = 36), Super Heavy (n = 36), using p ≤ 0.05. The main results indicated that the Super heavyweight category [3.1 (5.8;119.9) s] had a shorter gripping time than other weight categories, p ≤ 0.05. In contrast, roosters [7.2 (3.5;64.6) s] had longer gripping, transition [14.0 (4.8;29.6) s], and attack time [76.2 (27.7, 93.2)] than the light feather, middlers, and heavier weight categories, p ≤ 0.05. These findings should be considered for the psychological interventions and training prescription.

Divisibility of Weights for Ideals in Group Algebras

Divisibility of Weights for Ideals in Group Algebras

Sex segregation in strength sports: Do equal-sized muscles express the same levels of strength between sexes?

Concerns have been raised against the current two-sex binary category in sports competitions. The thesis states that if males and females were separated based on muscle size, it would negate the strength advantage between the sexes. We tested the possible sex differences in various strength outcomes when pair-matched for muscle thickness. A total of 16 different data sets (n=963) were assessed to pair-match females with males who had a muscle thickness value within 2%. We further compared the competition performances of the smallest male weight class within the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) to different weight classes in females. Overall, 76%-88% of the strength assessments were greater in males than females with pair-matched muscle thickness, regardless of contraction types (i.e., isotonic, isometric, isokinetic). Additionally, males in the lightest weight division in the IPF largely outperformed females in heavier weight divisions. Our results would suggest that segregation based on muscle mass or surrogates of muscle mass (e.g., lean body mass) might not be an appropriate classification to create fair competition within strength sports. This is not to refute the concept of the desegregation of the two-sex binary category but to present data that raises important concerns about the potential sex-based differences in strength performance.

투기종목 유형에 따른 체구성 성분과 무산소성 운동능력의 비교 연구

The purpose of this study was to comparative analysis on body composition and anaerobic exercise capacity according to the type of combat sports. The subjects were 12 striking combat sport groups and 12 grappling combat sport groups with similar weight division. Measurement items were body composition (height, weight, skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, body mass index, body fat percentage, waist hip ratio) and anaerobic exercise capacity (absolute peak power, absolute average power, relative peak power, relative average power, fatigue index, sergeant jump). Main results were as follows: 1) There was no significant difference between the groups in all variables of body composition and anaerobic exercise capacity. 2) In the striking combat sport groups, weight and body mass index were positively correlated at absolute peak power and absolute average power. And skeletal muscle mass were positively correlated with absolute average power. 3) In the grappling combat sport groups, weight, skeletal muscle mass, and body mass index were positively correlated at absolute peak power and absolute average power. And waist hip ratio were positively correlated at relative peak power and relative average power. On the other hand, body fat percentage showed a negative correlation with sergeant jump. As a results, there was here was no difference in body composition and anaerobic exercise capacity in striking and grappling combat sport players in the same weight division, and the correlation between body composition and anaerobic exercise capacity was found to differ according to the characteristics of each sport.

The effects of weight categories on the time-motion analysis of female high-level judo athletes between the 2016 and 2020 Olympic cycles.

This study compared the time of female judo combat phases in international competitions between two Olympic cycles (2016; 2020) according to weight divisions (48 kg = 132; 52 kg = 72; 57 kg = 109; 63 kg = 96; 70 kg = 69; 78 kg = 106; >78 kg = 82; total = 666 combats/cycle). The behaviors of 1,332 high-level female judo combats were randomly observed over two Olympic cycles (2016 = 666; 2020 = 666) from the top 20 athletes in the world ranking by weight division. We performed time-motion analysis according to the combat phase and sequential judo actions (approach, gripping, attack, defense, groundwork, pause, and effort: pause ratio) considering the moment when the combat ended (Regular time = RT; Golden score = GS). The weight division groups were compared between Olympic cycles (2016; 2020), and p < 0.05 was defined as significant. The main results showed that 2020 athletes spent less time in the gripping (p = 0.005), attack (p < 0.001), defense (p < 0.001), groundwork (p<0.001) and pause (p = 0.002) phases than 2016 athletes. However, compared by the end-of-combat, 2020 female athletes spent less time in all combat phases for RT combats (p < 0.001), and more time in the approach phase for GS combats (p < 0.05) than in 2016. The 2016 weight divisions showed a higher diversity in the effort: pause ratio (2.5:1-3.4:1), whereas the 2020 weight divisions had values closer to each other (2.8,1-3:1). Analyzing each weight division separately and by the end-of-combat, the main results showed that (p < 0.05): 48, 63, 70, and 78 kg reduced the time in almost every phase of RT combat (except for: 63 kg = gripping and attack; 70 kg = approach and groundwork; 78 kg = approach); 48 and 57 kg increased the groundwork time in GS combats whereas 78 kg decreased; 52 kg and 78 kg increased the GS approach time. The temporal behavior of the combats changed between the Olympic cycles with different rules. These data must be considered to understand the characteristics of each group and to prescribe specialized training in female judo.

Upper limb injuries in mixed martial arts

ABSTRACT Objective Mixed-Martial-Arts(MMA) is a worldwide growing sport that incorporates different fighting styles and disciplines and is often associated with the Ultimate Fighting Championship(UFC) . The aim of this study is to explore the patterns and trends of upper limb injuries in MMA. Methods Ringside physician reports of the UFC fights between 2016 and 2019(inclusive) were extracted and screened from the Nevada State Athletic Commission(NSAC). The following variables were included: sex, weight division, injury mechanism, injury type, injury location, and type of finish. Injury rates were calculated and expressed per 100 athletic exposures (AE). An independent t-test, a one way analysis of variance(ANOVA), and a Joinpoint regression analysis were conducted to explore any significant differences or trends among variables. P-values<0.05 were considered significant(95% CI). Results A total of 81 upper limb injuries in 408 fights were recorded between 2016 and 2019. The injury rate was 9.9 injuries per 100 athletic-exposures(AE). Striking opponents was the most common mechanism of injury(p < 0.001). The hand was the most commonly injured location with an injury rate of 6.61 per 100AE(p < 0.001). Females had a higher upper limb injury rate than their male counterparts, but the difference failed to reach significance(p = 0.454). Similarly, no significant differences existed between rates of different types of injures. Matches ending with decision had the highest number of upper limb injuries with a rate of 12.6 per 100AE; however, no significant difference was determined between the rates of different ways of finish(p = 0.115). The strawweight(20.5 per 100AE), female flyweight(19.2 per 100AE), and male flyweight(13.8 per 100AE) divisions had the highest upper limb injury rates. Conclusion The hand was the most commonly injured upper limb location in MMA, and ‘striking opponent’ was the most common injury mechanism. Increasing padding in gloves and implementing medical examinations during bouts can help reduce injury rates.

Designing the Quantum Channels Induced by Diagonal Gates

The challenge of quantum computing is to combine error resilience with universal computation. Diagonal gates such as the transversal T gate play an important role in implementing a universal set of quantum operations. This paper introduces a framework that describes the process of preparing a code state, applying a diagonal physical gate, measuring a code syndrome, and applying a Pauli correction that may depend on the measured syndrome (the average logical channel induced by an arbitrary diagonal gate). It focuses on CSS codes, and describes the interaction of code states and physical gates in terms of generator coefficients determined by the induced logical operator. The interaction of code states and diagonal gates depends very strongly on the signs of Z-stabilizers in the CSS code, and the proposed generator coefficient framework explicitly includes this degree of freedom. The paper derives necessary and sufficient conditions for an arbitrary diagonal gate to preserve the code space of a stabilizer code, and provides an explicit expression of the induced logical operator. When the diagonal gate is a quadratic form diagonal gate (introduced by Rengaswamy et al.), the conditions can be expressed in terms of divisibility of weights in the two classical codes that determine the CSS code. These codes find application in magic state distillation and elsewhere. When all the signs are positive, the paper characterizes all possible CSS codes, invariant under transversal Z-rotation through &amp;#x03C0;/2l, that are constructed from classical Reed-Muller codes by deriving the necessary and sufficient constraints on l. The generator coefficient framework extends to arbitrary stabilizer codes but there is nothing to be gained by considering the more general class of non-degenerate stabilizer codes.

Has there been a change between combat time in male judo? Analysis of the top 20 athletes by weight division between the 2016-20 Olympic cycles

ABSTRACT This study compared male judo combat time in international competitions between the 2016 and 2020 Olympic cycles, by weight divisions. We analysed 1380 videos of male judo combat from top 20 in the World ranking by weight division. The 2020 cycle had a lower combat time and a higher occurrence of Golden Score (GS) compared to the 2016 cycle (combat time: 2020= 206.9, 2016= 240.3 seconds; GS time: 2020= 95.1, 2016= 77.6 seconds; p˂0.001; GS occurrence: 2020= 27%, 2016= 6%; p˂0.05). The 66kg and 73kg spent the most time and the +100kg category spent the least time in the GS than the other divisions, in both Olympic cycles. However, in the 2020 cycle compared to 2016, the 66kg was the only that reduced the combat time on the GS (p= 0.002), the 81kg and +100kg had a change in the distribution of combat closure minute-by-minute [81kg(2016)= 28%, 81kg(2020)= 68% finished until the 4th minute of Regular Time; +100kg(2016)= 25%, +100kg(2020)= 50% finished until the 3rd minute of Regular Time; p= 0.003 for both]. These data must be considered when prescribing male judo training for specific performance.