A Comparative Analysis of High-Intensity Technique-Specific Intervals and Short Sprint Interval Training in Taekwondo Athletes: Effects on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Anaerobic Power.

Technique-specific high-intensity interval training (HIITTS) has been proven to be an effective method to enhance the sport-specific bio-motor abilities of taekwondo athletes. However, studies regarding its effects on comprehensive measures of cardiorespiratory fitness are limited. Furthermore, there is a lack of clarity regarding the extent of individual adaptations to this method compared to HIIT in the form of repeated sprints (HIITRS). This study compared the individual adaptations to HIITRS and HIITTS on cardiorespiratory fitness and anaerobic power in trained taekwondo athletes (age = 19.8 ± 1.3 years; body mass = 75.4 ± 9.1 kg; height = 1.73 ± 0.0 .m). All participants completed three sessions per week of a 60-minute regular taekwondo training. Following the 60-minute training, participants completed 3 sets of 10 × 4 s all-out HIITRS or same sets of repeated kicks with both legs (HIITTS) over a 6-week training period. In both groups, rest intervals were set at 15 seconds between efforts and one minute between sets. Before and after the training period, participants underwent a series of lab- and field-based tests to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness and bio-motor abilities. Both interventions resulted in significant improvements in maximum oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), O2 pulse (V̇O2/HR), first ventilatory threshold (VT1), second ventilatory threshold (VT2), cardiac output (Q̇max), stroke volume (SV), peak power output (PPO), average power output (APO), squat jump (SJ), and countermovement jump (CMJ). However, linear speed (20-m speed time) and taekwondo-specific agility test (TSAT) only responded to HIITRS. HIITRS resulted in greater changes in V̇O2max, V̇O2/HR, VT2, and Q̇max, and higher percentage of responders in measured parameters than HIITTS. In addition, HIITRS elicited lower inter-individual variability (CV) in percent changes from pre- to post-training in all measured variables. These results suggest that incorporating 3 sessions per week of HIITRS into regular taekwondo training results in significantly greater and more homogenized adaptations in cardiorespiratory fitness and bio-motor abilities than HIITTS among trained taekwondo athletes.

Effects of 12 weeks of functional training vs. Muay Thai on cardiac autonomic modulation and hemodynamic parameters in older adults: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The elevated blood pressure (BP) and lower cardiac autonomic modulation (CAM) are associated with higher morbidity mortality risk among older adults. Although exercise is an important intervention for cardiovascular promotion, it is unclear whether combat sports training could benefit cardiovascular outcomes as much as autonomic in this population. This study compared the effects of 12 weeks of Muay Thai (MT) training against functional training (FT) on CAM and hemodynamic parameters in older adults. METHODS: The sample consisted of 50 older adults (41 women; 66.0 ± 5.3 years old), who were equaly randomized into FT (n = 25) and MT (n = 25) intervention groups. CAM was measured by 30-min rest heart rate variability. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and resting heart rate (RHR) were measured using an automatic oscillometric device. Pulse pressure (PP) and the double product (DP) were also calculated. The interventions were carried out three times a week, with 60-min length per session, during 12 consecutive weeks. The intensity of the interventions was measured using the subjective perception of exertion scale and by accelerometer. Two-factor repeated measures analysis of covariance was used for groups comparison, considering intervention group and body mass as factors. The 95% confidence interval of the difference (95%CIdif) was also calculated and the effect size was measured using partial eta squared (η2p). RESULTS: CAM indices did not show significant changes across moments and intervention groups. In hemodynamic parameters, only in DBP was there an effect of the moment (F1,39 = 8.206; P = 0.007; η2p = 0.174, large) and interaction effect between group*moment (F1,39 = 7.950; P = 0.008; η2p = 0.169, large). Specifically, the MT group at the post-training moment showed lower DBP (P = 0.010; 95%CIdif = -13.3; -1.89) in relation to the FT group. Furthermore, the MT group showed a decrease in DBP during training (P = 0.002; 95%CIdif = -10.3; -2.6). Also, an increase in training intensity was also found over the 12 weeks in FT, with no difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: After 12 weeks of MT practice there was a reduction in DBP compared to FT in older adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03919968 Registration date: 01/02/2019.

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

BACKGROUND: 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. HYPOTHESIS: There is no difference in the incidence of KO/TKO between level of competition, sex, and weight class. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study highlights the need for enhanced safety protocols and medical oversight in Australian MMA, particularly for male athletes in heavier weight divisions.

Enhanced boxing punch impact with silicone cushioning.

Introduction: Elastic cushioning materials protect human tissue from injury by absorbing impact energy and delaying its transfer. However, the potential compromise in force delivery to the hitting target remains unknown. Methods: To examine if silicone cushioning compromises punch force delivery to a hitting target, a double-blind crossover trial with 12 elite boxers was conducted following material tests. Each boxer delivered five maximal punches under two conditions: silicone-hand wrapping and gauze-hand wrapping, in counterbalanced order, with a 3-day interval between sessions. Force distribution along the Z-axis indicated the punch's intended direction, while forces along the X and Y axes represented force dissipation toward unwanted direction. Results: The material tests (based on ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, USA) demonstrated substantially higher compression to disruption for silicone than gauze of similar thickness. During the punching trials, the silicon-based hand wrapping exhibited slightly higher total force production (436 ± 33 N vs. 372 ± 12 N, p < 0.001) than the gauze-based hand wrapping. Moreover, force wastage, calculated as the sum of forces along the X and Y axes vs. the total force produced in percentage, was notably lower for silicone material (2.0% wastage) compared to gauze (3.8% wastage) (p < 0.001). The use of silicone materials lengthened the contact time between the punching fist and the hitting target from 35 ms to 50 ms (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The elastic cushion does not compromise the force delivery of the boxing glove to the hitting target. Instead, it appears to allow for additional maneuvering time for alignment during the fist-target contact with higher impact.

Time-Motion and Technical-Tactical Aspects of Glory World Series Matches in the Male Middle-Heavy-Weight Category.

PURPOSE: To characterize the time structure of K1 kickboxing matches of Glory World Series (Glory) and to determine potential differences between winners and losers. METHODS: Seventeen matches of Glory 2019 (17 first rounds, 13 second rounds, and 8 third rounds) were video-analyzed to quantify (1) the time expended in high- and low-intensity activity and pauses, (2) the number and pattern of attacks, and (3) the number of effective attacks. Fighters were professional male athletes (age 27.9 [2.7] y) of the middle-weight category (85 kg). The number and the pattern of attacks and the number of effective attacks were compared between winners and losers. RESULTS: The mean times expended in high- and low-intensity activity and pauses were 234.6 (133.9) seconds, 97.4 (60.1) seconds, and 36.0 (19.9) seconds, respectively, resulting in an effort-to-pause ratio of ∼1.8:1. Compared with losers, winners presented (1) a greater number of attacks in the second round (P = .004) and entire match (P = .009), (2) a greater number of attacks containing 3 attacks in sequence in the second round (P = .001) and attacks containing >3 attacks in the third round (P = .049), and (3) a greater number of effective attacks in the second round (P = .011) and entire match (P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study indicate that K1 kickboxing in Glory matches presents a ∼1.8:1 effort-to-pause ratio and that winners perform more attacks, effective attacks, and attacks in sequence. These data provide useful insights to improve the training specificity of kickboxing athletes.

The Genetic Profile of Combat Sport Athletes: A Systematic Review of Physiological, Psychological and Injury Risk Determinants.

This systematic review aims to assess the genetic determinants influencing combat sports performance and address potential gaps in previous reviews. Twenty-four selected studies were analysed, investigating genetic influences on physiological performance, psychological traits, psychophysiological factors like pain perception, and injury susceptibility in combat sport athletes. The systematic literature search, using keywords, encompassed PubMed, Scopus, SportDiscus, Medline, and Google Scholar. The Covidence systematic review management software facilitated the screening process and the creation of the PRISMA flow diagram. The quality assessment complied with the PRISMA guidelines, featuring a custom 10-point scale and the STREGA criteria for more reliable study inclusion. Collectively, the 24 studies incorporated 18,989 participants, of which 3323 were combat athletes of majority European ancestry (71.7%) from various combat sports disciplines. Twenty-five unique genetic variants were significantly associated with combat sports performance across diverse domains. These included physiological performance (nine genetic variants), psychological traits (ten genetic variants), psychophysiological factors (one genetic variant), and injury susceptibility (four genetic variants). In conclusion, this systematic review lays the foundation for a more comprehensive exploration of the association between genetics and athletic performance in the demanding arena of combat sports, offering valuable insights for talent identification, training optimisation, and injury prevention.

Boxing Punch Detection with Single Static Camera.

Computer vision in sports analytics is gaining in popularity. Monitoring players' performance using cameras is more flexible and does not interfere with player equipment compared to systems using sensors. This provides a wide set of opportunities for computer vision systems that help coaches, reporters, and audiences. This paper provides an introduction to the problem of measuring boxers' performance, with a comprehensive survey of approaches in current science. The main goal of the paper is to provide a system to automatically detect punches in Olympic boxing using a single static camera. The authors use Euclidean distance to measure the distance between boxers and convolutional neural networks to classify footage frames. In order to improve classification performance, we provide and test three approaches to manipulating the images prior to fitting the classifier. The proposed solution achieves 95% balanced accuracy, 49% F1 score for frames with punches, and 97% for frames without punches. Finally, we present a working system for analyses of a boxing scene that marks boxers and labelled frames with detected clashes and punches.

Somatic Structure and Ultrasound Parameters of the Calcaneus Bone in Combat Sports Athletes in Relation to Vitamin D3 Levels.

Background/Objectives: Physical activity is widely recognized for its beneficial effects on bone density during adolescence, which could lead to enhanced bone density in later life, thus acting as a health-promoting activity with long-lasting implications. However, not all studies are conclusive regarding the type, intensity, duration, and frequency of the most effective physical activities. This study focuses on combat sports athletes and examines the relationship between their somatic build and heel bone parameters using ultrasound (USG) and their vitamin D3 levels. Methods: The study included 40 male athletes specializing in various combat sports. The measurements of body height, body mass, skinfold thickness, and bone widths at multiple sites were performed to estimate the somatic build. The USG parameters of the heel bone and the blood levels of vitamin D3 were also recorded. Statistical significance was determined using one-way ANOVA, with differences among sports disciplines also examined. Results: The study found significant differences in the body composition and USG bone parameters among athletes from different combat sports (p ≤ 0.05). The calcaneus stiffness index (SI) and speed of sound (SOS) were significantly higher in athletes with normal vitamin D3 levels compared to those with below-normal levels (p = 0.0015 and p = 0.001, respectively). These findings suggest that vitamin D3 may influence bone stiffness and density. Conclusions: The study underscores the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D3 levels to support bone mineralization in athletes, particularly those training indoors with limited exposure to sunlight. It also highlights the potential of using USG as a non-invasive method to assess bone health, aiding in the optimization of training programs to prevent injuries and improve performance.

Relationship of selected conditioning parameters and sport performance indicators in karate.

Introduction: The variables of aerobic performance and aerobic capacity are of significant importance in maintaining intensity during a fight and also contribute to faster recovery between rounds in sports fighting in karate. Anaerobic performance is crucial for the execution of the techniques during high-intensity offensive or defensive actions that determine the outcome of a fight. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between selected performance indicators of aerobic and anaerobic capacity to sports performance in karate. Methods: The study included six male karate athletes (age 28 ± 3 years, body mass 85.10 kg; height 185.5 cm), medalists from European and World championship, events in senior categories. The selection criteria included training experience and sports level. The Karate specific aerobic test (KSAT) was use in conjunction with heart rate monitoring and changes in blood lactate levels to diagnose special aerobic endurance parameters. To determine the level of anaerobic performance the Wingate test were choosed. Technical and tactical indicators (efficiency, effectiveness and activeness of the attack) were used to assess the sports skill level during competition. Results: Based on the Spearman correlation coefficient results demonstrated statistically significant differences (rs = -0.81) with large effect size index between efficiency of the attack and average heart rate achieved in the test KSAT. Additionally statistically significant differences (rs = 0.81) with large effect size were demonstrated between the fatigue index and efficiency of the attack Furthermore, the selected indicators of special aerobic endurance parameters and anaerobic performance demonstrated a high degree of predictive validity in relation to the efficiency (rp = 0.960) and activity (rp = 0.927) of attacks. Conclusion: The high level of predictive validity confirmed the importance of a high level of anaerobic conditions for performance in karate. The low values of the average heart rate in relation to the efficiency of the attack confirm the high performance level of karate athletes in relation to special aerobic performance parameters. It was found that the effectiveness of the attack had no relation to the monitored parameters.

Effects of Ischemic Preconditioning on Sport-Specific Performance in Highly Trained Taekwondo Athletes.

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC), which involves episodes of blood flow restriction followed by reperfusion, has uncertain effects on athletes. Additionally, employing sports-specific tests that are highly familiar to athletes can enhance methodological rigor in determining IPC's effects on taekwondo performance. This study aimed to investigate IPC's influence on taekwondo athletes' performance through two studies. To induce occlusion in both studies, the cuff was inflated to an individualized occlusion pressure established for each athlete's lower limb, with four cycles of occlusion lasting five minutes each, alternated with five-minute reperfusion intervals. Both traditional frequentist statistics and Bayesian analysis were employed. In the first study, eleven high-level athletes were subjected to either IPC or a placebo (SHAM) procedure on both legs, followed by performing countermovement jumps (CMJs) and a specific taekwondo endurance test. However, no significant differences were observed in taekwondo endurance performance or CMJ between the IPC and SHAM conditions. The second study involved fourteen elite athletes who underwent the same IPC or SHAM conditions, performing CMJ and three bouts of the Multiple Frequency Speed of Kick test (FSKTmult) in three blocks, each separated by approximately thirty minutes. Again, the results indicated no significant differences in FSKTmult measures or CMJ performance between the two conditions. In conclusion, IPC did not significantly affect neuromuscular (in both studies), endurance (in the first study), or anaerobic (in the second study) performance in these taekwondo athletes.

Intergenerational Judo: Synthesising Evidence- and Eminence-Based Knowledge on Judo across Ages.

In alignment with European policies regarding intergenerational sports, this study seeks to integrate existing evidence- (i.e., umbrella review) and eminence- (i.e., international validated educational courses for coaches) based knowledge on judo training across the lifespan. For evidence knowledge, searches of the Google Scholar, ISI-WoS, PubMed, and Scopus databases (PROSPERO ID: CRD42024535420) for studies focused on training youth and older judo practitioners, with no time restriction up to April 2024, were conducted. This resulted in 16 systematic reviews meeting the inclusion criteria, with an "excellent" (n = 6), "good" (n = 7), and "fair" (n = 3) quality according to the NIH tool. With a large sample size (n = 372,655), the reviews focused on wellbeing (n = 9; bone status, injuries, and psychophysical effects) and performance (n = 7; athlete success, combat time, rapid weight loss, and the Special Judo Fitness Test), examining athletic levels (novices to Olympics), sex, and age (children to older adults). For eminence knowledge, the International Judo Federation Academy courses encompassed the "Undergraduate Certificate as Judo Instructor" (UCJI), which provides a comprehensive structure for teaching judo, including techniques, moral code, roles, responsibilities, refereeing, safety, and age-specific belt examination requirements and progression, and the "Educating Judo Coaches for Older Practitioners" (EdJCO) curricula, which provide theoretical and applied modules (e.g., ageing, health, and organisation) to train older judo practitioners. The findings were summarised in a framework, highlighting the most relevant aspects of intergenerational judo programmes (i.e., aims, key characteristics, coaches' roles, barriers, and facilitators). To develop a comprehensive educational intergenerational judo methodology, future research should examine coaches' and practitioners' opinions on intergenerational judo activities carried out in different national contexts.

Benefits of Judo Practice for Individuals with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review.

This systematic literature review evaluates the benefits of judo practice designed for individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Intellectual Developmental Disorders (IDDs), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This review adheres to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, focusing on the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of judo. A comprehensive search across databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, B-On, and Scopus, was conducted, and relevant studies were selected based on explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sixteen intervention studies were included, which contributed to a detailed understanding of the impact of judo. The results indicated significant benefits in terms of physical activity, social interactions, emotional well-being, and cognitive functions among participants. A synthesis of results is presented, showing the overall positive effect of judo practice. This review highlights the potential of judo as supportive therapy for individuals with NDDs, advocating its inclusion in therapeutic and educational settings. Limitations due to study heterogeneity and the need for more randomized controlled trials are also discussed.

Relationship between visual ability assessment and punch performance in competition in male amateur boxers.

Sport visual ability plays an important role in the performance of elite athletes in competition. However, its relationship with boxers' performance has not been fully understood. This study investigated the relationship between sports visual abilities and in-competition punching performance in 26 highly trained male amateur boxers. Ten visual abilities of the boxers were tested using the Senaptec Sensory Station (Senaptec, Beaverton, OR, United States), including Visual Clarity (VC), Contrast Sensitivity (CS), Depth Perception (DP), Near Far Quickness (NFQ), Target Capture (TC), Perception Span (PS), Multiple Object Tracking (MOT), Eye-Hand Coordination (EHC), Go/No Go (GNG), and Reaction Time (RT). Performance analyses were conducted on national boxing championships conducted by the boxers to analyze their punching accuracy. Correlation and regression analyses showed that punch performance %Hit was very strong correlated with DP, EHC, GNG, and RT, and showed a strong correlation with VC, CS, and PS. %Hit was moderate correlated with MOT, while there was no correlation with NFQ and TC. In addition, RT, EHC, and DP are important visual ability variables for boxers. The results of this study indicate that there is an overall relationship between sports visual ability and boxing performance, but there is also a specific relationship between variables in visual ability and boxing performance, especially faster reaction times, better processing of visual information, and decision-making abilities, and the ability to accurately recognize the distance and position of an opponent and their punches are essential for enhancing boxing performance. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between sport visual ability and more comprehensive performance in boxers, and the possibility of enhancing performance through specific visual training.

Acute and Chronic Weight-Making Practice in Professional Mixed Martial Arts Athletes: An Analysis of 33 Athletes Across 80 Fights.

Mixed martial arts' popularity has increased in recent years, alongside descriptive research and evidence-based performance recommendations. Guidelines for (both chronic and acute) weight making exist; however, how these translate in real-life scenarios and detailed investigations on practices in larger groups deserve attention. The present study examined the body mass (BM) and composition of 33 professional mixed martial arts athletes preparing for 80 fights. Athletes were supported by on-site dietitians, who encouraged evidence-based practices. Fasted BM was measured throughout the last ∼10 days before all bouts (acute weight management phase). A subset of athletes had body composition assessed before and after the chronic weight loss phase for 40 fights. Most athletes engaged in chronic BM loss, and all engaged in acute weight loss. Many lost fat-free mass (FFM) during the chronic phase, with rates of BM loss <0.5% best preserving FFM. Regardless of losses, the present athletes possessed greater FFM than other combat sport athletes and engaged in greater acute weight loss. Dehydration in the 24-48 hr before the weigh-in was not reflective of weight regain after the weigh-in, rather BM 7-10 days before the weigh-in was most reflective. These findings suggest that many mixed martial arts athletes could increase FFM at the time of competition by maintaining leaner physiques outside of competition and/or allowing increased time to reduce BM chronically. Acutely, athletes can utilize evidence-based protocols, eliminating carbohydrates, fiber, sodium, and finally fluid in a staged approach, before the weigh-in, reducing the amount of sweating required, thus theoretically better protecting health and preserving performance.

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

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2024.1372314.].

Reliability of Three Landmine-Punch-Throw Variations and Their Load-Velocity Relationships Performed With the Dominant and Nondominant Hands.

PURPOSE: This study assessed the reliability and load-velocity profiles of 3 different landmine-punch-throw variations (seated without trunk rotation, seated with trunk rotation, and standing whole body) with different loads (20, 22.5, and 25.0 kg), all with the dominant hand and nondominant hand. METHODS: In a quasi-randomized order, 14 boxers (24.1 [4.3] y, 72.6 [10.1] kg) performed 3 repetitions of each variation with their dominant hand and their nondominant hand, with maximal effort and 3 minutes of interset rest. Peak velocity was measured via the GymAware Power Tool (Kinetic Performance Technologies). The interclass correlation coefficients and their 95% CIs were used to determine the intrasession reliability of each variation × load × hand combination. Additionally, a 2 (hand) × 3 (variation) repeated-measures analysis of variance assessed the load-velocity profile slope, and a 3 (variation) × 2 (hand) × 3 (load) repeated-measures analysis of variance assessed the peak velocity of each variation. RESULTS: Most variations were highly reliable (intraclass correlation coefficient > .91), with the nondominant hand being as reliable or more reliable than the dominant hand. Very strong linear relationships were observed for the group average for each variation (R2 ≥ .96). However, there was no variation × hand interaction for the slope, and there was no main effect for variation or hand. Additionally, there was no interaction for the peak velocity, but there were main effects for variation, hand, and load (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Each variation was reliable and can be used to create upper-body ballistic unilateral load-velocity profiles. However, as with other research on load-velocity profile, individual data allowed for more accurate profiling than group average data.

Effects of Fitlight training on cognitive-motor performance in élite judo athletes.

Aims: The aims of this study were to verify if a 5-week cognitive-motor training (CMT) using FitlightsTM induced changes in young adult judo athletes compared to a non-intervention group. Specifically, it was verified if CMT influenced executive functions (EFs), physical fitness and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Additionally, athletes' competitive results were compared between groups. Method: Twenty-seven athletes (14 males and 13 females; age = 19.5 ± 2.0 years) were assigned to the Fitlight (FG) and control (CG) groups which performed 5 weeks of CMT, respectively, including 25 min per day of Fitlight training or traditional judo practice. All participants performed cognitive (flanker task and forward/backward digit span) and fitness tests (counter movement jump, handgrip test, dynamic and isometric chin up). In addition, BDNF was collected by saliva sampling and competitive results after the intervention period were considered. Results: RM-ANOVA showed significant differences in FG for the accuracy of flanker (p = 0.028) and backward digit span (p < 0.001). Moreover, significant differences in FG were found for relative dynamic chin up (p = 0.027) and counter movement jump (p = 0.05). In addition, a significant difference in FG was found for competitive results after the intervention period (p < 0.01).No significant differences were found for BDNF and other cognitive and fitness measures (p > 0.05). Conclusion: A 5-week judo-specific CMT improved EFs and motor performance in élite judo athletes. It seems that CMT with Fitlight™ could be considered an additional support to coaches during the training period.

Care of The Older Fighter: Position Statement of the Association of Ringside Physicians.

Older Fighters are defined as combat sports athletes older than 35 years, based on heightened medical risks and historical classification. Age-related changes to the neurological, cardiopulmonary, endocrinological, thermoregulatory, osmoregulatory, and musculoskeletal systems increase these athletes' risks for injury and may prolong their recovery. These age-related risks warrant special considerations for competition, licensure, prefight medical clearance, in-fight supervision, post-fight examination, and counseling regarding training practices and retirement from combat sports. Neurological considerations include increased risk of intracranial lesions, intracranial hemorrhage, and sequelae from traumatic brain injury (TBI), warranting more comprehensive neurological evaluation and neuroimaging. Increased risk of myocardial ischemia and infarction warrant careful assessment of cardiac risk factors and scrutiny of cardiovascular fitness. Older fighters may take longer time to recover from musculoskeletal injury; post-injury clearance should be individualized.

Dominant Somatotype Development in Relation to Body Composition and Dietary Macronutrient Intake among High-Performance Athletes in Water, Cycling and Combat Sports.

Relevant properties of the somatotype as important indicators can be associated with the body composition characteristics as well as both metabolic and bio-mechanical efficiency of athletes in the sport concerned. The primary aim of this single cross-sectional study was to determine the somatotype profiles in association with body composition and nutritional profiles among Lithuanian elite athletes (n = 189) involved in water, cycling and combat sports. The body composition along with the somatotype profiles and the nutritional status of athletes were evaluated using a battery of multiple frequency (5, 50, 250, 550, and 1000 kHz) bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and a 3-day food record analysis. In terms of the prediction for athletes to be classified as endomorphs, mesomorphs or ectomorphs, the linear discriminant analysis was conducted to assess the grouping of samples. Both the multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic regression statistical analyses were performed to explore the associations between the independent and dependent variables. The central tendency values for the somatotype components of endomorphy, mesomorphy and ectomorphy in athletes playing water, cycling and combat sports were 4.3-4.9-3.4, 4.3-4.8-3.4 and 4.5-5.5-2.9, respectively. The central mesomorph somatotype with a trend towards endomorphy was dominant and varied according to a high muscle-to-fat ratio in elite athletes. Significant (p ≤ 0.001) positive associations between both endomorphy and mesomorphy values and higher body fat percentage as well as lower and upper limb muscle mass were identified. The lower levels of trunk muscle mass were related to athletes' endomorphy and mesomorphy, too. Furthermore, in the athletes' sample under analysis, high-level mesomorphs were prone to consume low-carbohydrate (adjusted odd ratio (AOR) 0.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2; 0.9) and high-protein diets (AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.1; 5.5). Contrastingly, the elite athletes with a higher expression of endomorphy were on high-carbohydrate (AOR 5.4, 95% CI 1.1; 8.3) and high-fat diets (AOR 4.6, 95% CI 1.5; 7.1) along with insufficient protein diet (AOR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1; 0.9). Finally, whilst nutrition goals as a mediator can play a significant role in undergoing the maintenance of balance between the optimal body composition for athletic performance and the development of an ecto-mesomorphic somatotype, the elite athletes with higher levels of endomorphy value should be aware of lowering the body fat percentage coupled with dietary fat reduction and higher protein intakes. The findings obtained from the study may serve as an antecedent for a more targeted management of the elite athletes' training process. Somatotyping as an additional assessment method can be successfully deployed in choosing correct coaching techniques, contributing to talent recognition processes or identifying reference morphometric parameters in elite athletes competing in water, cycling and combat sports.

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

Introduction: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Discussion: These results suggest that the demands on judo athletes in a contest differ between weight classes and sexes.