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Some the scientific research that has been conducted on martial art related subjects

Physiological profile of senior and junior England international amateur boxers

M. Smith
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2006) 5 (CSSI), 74 - 89

Despite worldwide popularity of amateur boxing, research focused on the physiological demands of the sport is limited. The physiological profile of Senior and Junior England international amateur boxers is presented. A gradual (8 to 21 days) and rapid (0 to 7 days) phase of body weight reduction was evident with 2.2  % weight loss occurring over the final 24-hours. An increase in body weight >4% was observed following a recovery period. High urine osmolality values were recorded during training and competition. High post-competition blood lactate values highlighted the need for a well-developed anaerobic capacity and the importance of not entering the ring in a glycogen depleted state. The aerobic challenge of competition was demonstrated by maximum heart rate values being recorded during 'Open' sparring. Mean body fat values of 9-10% were similar to those reported for other weight classified athletes. Normal resting values were reported for hematocrit, haemoglobin, bilirubin, and ferritin. No symptoms associated with asthma or exercise-induced asthma was evident. A well- developed aerobic capacity was reflected in the Senior VO2max. Senior lead hand straight punching force (head 1722 N and body 1682 N) was lower than the straight rear hand (head 2643 N and body 2646 N), lead hook (head 2412 and body 2414 N) and rear hook (head 2588 N and body 2555 N).

Conclusions. It was concluded that amateur boxing performance is dependent on the interplay between anaerobic and aerobic energy systems. Current weight making methods may lead to impaired substrate availability, leading to reduced competitive performance and an increased risk to a boxer’s health. 

Study of physiological profile of Indian boxers

G. Khanna and I. Manna 
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2006) 5 (CSSI), 90 - 98 

The present study was conducted to study the morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics of Indian National boxers as well as to assess the cardiovascular adaptation to graded exercise and actual boxing round. The study evaluated junior (<19 years of age) and senior (0-25 year of age) boxers in different weight categories.

Conclusions. Results showed a significantly higher stature, body mass, LBM, body fat, and strength of back and grip in senior boxers compared to juniors. Moreover, the senior boxers possessed mesomorphic body conformation where as the juniors' possessed ectomorphic body conformation. Significantly lower aerobic capacity and anaerobic power were noted in junior boxers compared to seniors. Further, significantly higher maximal heart rates and recovery heart rates were observed in the seniors as compared to the juniors. Significantly higher maximum heart rates were noted during actual boxing compared to graded exercise. Blood lactate concentration was found to increase with the increase of workload during both graded exercise and actual boxing round. The senior boxers showed a significantly elevated  levels of hemoblobin, blood urea, uric acid, and peak lactate as compared to junior boxers. In the senior boxers, significantly lower levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDLC were observed as compared to junior boxers. No significant change has been noted in HDLC between the groups. The age and level of training in boxing has significant effect on aerobic, anaerobic component. The study of physiological responses during graded exercise testing may be helpful to observe the cardiovascular adaptation in boxers. 

The importance of isometric maximum strength in college wrestlers

M. McGuigan, J. Winchester, and T. Erickson
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2006) 5 (CSSI), 108 - 113

Previous research has demonstrated the importance of isometric maximal strength (PF) and rate of force development (RFD) in a variety of athletic populations including track cyclists and track and field athletes. Among coaches and sports scientists, there is a lack of agreement regarding how much strength is required for optimal performance in most sports. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between measures of PF, RFD, and one repetition maximum (1RM) strength with other variables that might contribute to successful performance in collegiate wrestlers. Eight men  who were Division III college wrestlers participated in this study. They were tested for PF using the isometric mid thigh pull exercise. Explosive strength was measured as RFD from the isometric force-time curve. The 1RM for the squat, bench press and power clean exercises were determined as a measure of dynamic strength. Vertical jump height was measured to determine explosive muscular power.

Results indicated strong correlations between measures of PF and 1RM. The correlations were very strong between the power clean 1RM and PF (and squat 1RM and PF. There were no other significant correlations with other variables apart from a strong correlation between RFD and coaches ranking.

Conclusions. Findings suggest that isometric mid thigh pull test does correlate well with 1RM testing in college wrestlers. RFD does not appear to be as important in college wrestlers. The isometric mid thigh pull provides a quick and efficient method for assessing isometric strength in athletes. This measure also provides a strong indication of dynamic performance in this population. The lack of strong correlations with other performance variables may be a result of the unique metabolic demands of wrestling. 

A profile of Olympic Taekwondo competitors

M. Kazemi, J. Waalen, Ch. Morgan, and A. White
Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2006) 5 (CSSI), 114 - 121

The purpose of this study was to identify the profile of the Olympic champions and the other competitors who were involved in the Games. One hundred and two Taekwondo athletes competed (54 males and 48 females) in the Games.

Conclusions. Of 16 male winners, the mean average age as 24.4 years and the BMI (Body Mass Index) as 21.9, compared to 25.2 years and 22.8  for the 38 male non-winners. Of the 16 female winners, the mean average age was 24.9 years and the BMI was 20.8, compared to 24.9 years and 21.3 ± for the 32 female non-winners. For all four types of athletes, offensive kicks accounted for at least 52% of the techniques to score a point and 98% of all techniques used to score were kicks. Although not statistically significant, winners overall tended to be younger in age and taller with slightly lower BMI than their weight category average. 

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