Psycho-physiological aspects of small combats in taekwondo: impact of area size and within-round sparring partners

The study investigated physiological and psychological responses to taekwondo combat sessions as a function of different area sizes and within-round sparring partners. Twenty-four adolescent (age: 17 +/- 1years) male (n = 12) and female (n = 12) taekwondo athletes participated in the study. Each athlete confronted 1 (1 vs.1; no sparring partner change) or 2 (1vs.2; within-round sparring partner change every minute) opponents in different area sizes (i.e., 4 x 4 m, 6 x 6 m, and 8 x 8 m) for 2 min. Blood lactate concentration ([La]) was measured before and after bouts. Heart rate (HR) was measured throughout the contests and rating of perceived exertion was assessed after bouts. Mean HR (HRmean) and percentage of maximum HR (%HRmax) determined during a 20-m multistage shuttle run test were used for analysis. Mood states were assessed before and after bouts and physical enjoyment was analyzed after bouts. The results showed higher HRmean and %HRmax values for the 1 vs.1 compared to the 1vs.2 condition (p < 0.001) and [La] values were higher at post-combat measurements (p < 0.001). Moreover, tension and fatigue were higher in 6 x 6 m compared with 8 x 8 m (p = 0.022 and p = 0.023, respectively) and anger was higher in 6 x 6 m and 8 x 8 m in comparison with 4 x 4 m (p = 0.012 and p = 0.043, respectively). Confusion increased from before to after bouts (p < 0.001), from 4 x 4 m and 6 x 6 m area sizes to 8 x 8 m (p = 0.001 and p = 0.018, respectively), and from 1vs.1 to 1vs.2 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, vigour decreased from before to after bouts (p < 0.01). Taekwondo combat sessions are a specific conditioning exercise for athletes. Thus, coaches can use the 1vs.1 condition to elicit higher HR responses and 6 x 6 m area size to induce higher psychological stress, mimicking what occurs during a competition

Effects of adding small combat games to regular Taekwondo training on physiological and performance outcomes in male young athletes

This study investigated the effect of area sizes (4 * 4, 6 * 6, and 8 * 8 m) and effort-pause ratios (free combat vs. 1:2) variation on the physiological and perceptive responses during taekwondo combats (Study 1). In a second study, the effects on physical performance of 8 weeks of small combat-based training added to regular taekwondo training were investigated (Study 2). In random order, 32 male taekwondo athletes performed six (i.e., two effort-to-pause ratios * three area sizes conditions) different 2-min taekwondo combats (Study 1). Thereafter (Study 2), they were randomly assigned to three experimental groups (4 * 4, 6 * 6, and 8 * 8 m) and an active control group (CG). Regarding Study 1, blood lactate concentration [La] before and after each combat, mean heart rate (HRmean) during each combat, and rating of perceived exertion (CR-10) immediately after each combat were assessed. Regarding Study 2, progressive specific taekwondo (PSTT) to estimate maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), taekwondo-specific agility, and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests were administered before and after 8 weeks of training. Study 1 results showed that 4 * 4 m elicited lower HRmean values compared with 6 * 6 m (d = -0.42 [small], p = 0.030) and free combat induced higher values compared with the 1:2 ratio (d = 1.71 [large], p < 0.001). For [La]post, 4 * 4 m area size induced higher values than 6 * 6 m (d = 0.99 [moderate], p < 0.001) and 8 * 8 m (d = 0.89 [moderate], p < 0.001) and free combat induced higher values than 1:2 ratio (d = 0.69 [moderate], p < 0.001). Higher CR-10 scores were registered after free combat compared with 1:2 ratio (d = 0.44 [small], p = 0.007). For Study 2, VO2max increased after training [F (1, 56) =30.532, p < 0.001; post-hoc: d = 1.27 [large], p < 0.001] with higher values for 4 * 4 m compared with CG (d = 1.15 [moderate], p = 0.009). Agility performance improved after training [F (1, 56) = 4.419, p = 0.04; post-hoc: d = -0.46 [small], p = 0.04] and 4 * 4 m induced lower values in comparison with 6 * 6 m (d = -1.56 [large], p = 0.001) and CG (d = -0.77 [moderate], p = 0.049). No training type influenced CMJ performance. Smaller area size elicited contrasting results in terms of metabolic demand compared with larger sizes (i.e., lower HRmean but higher [La] and CR-10), whereas free combat induced variables' consistently higher values compared with imposed 1:2 ratio (Study 1). Taekwondo training is effective to improve VO2max and agility (Study 2), but small combat training modality should be investigated further

Technical-tactical analysis of small combat games in male kickboxers: effects of varied number of opponents and area size

Background: To handle the competition demands, sparring drills are used for specific technical-tactical training as well as physical-physiological conditioning in combat sports. While the effects of different area sizes and number of within-round sparring partners on physiological and perceptive responses in combats sports were examined in previous studies, technical and tactical aspects were not investigated. This study investigated the effect of different within-round sparring partners number (i.e., at a time; 1 vs. 1, 1 vs. 2, and 1 vs. 4) and area sizes (2 m\u2009 7\u20092 m, 4 m\u2009 7\u20094 m, and 6 m\u2009 7\u20096 m) variation on the technical-tactical aspects of small combat games in kickboxing. Method: Twenty male kickboxers (mean\u2009\ub1\u2009standard deviation, age: 20.3\u2009\ub1\u20090.9 years), regularly competing in regional and national events randomly performed nine different kickboxing combats, lasting 2 min each. All combats were video recorded and analyzed using the software Dartfish. Results: Results showed that the total number of punches was significantly higher in 1 versus 4 compared with 1 versus 1 (p\u2009=\u20090.011, d\u2009=\u20090.83). Further, the total number of kicks was significantly higher in 1 versus 4 compared with 1 versus 1 and 1 versus 2 (p\u2009<\u20090.001; d\u2009=\u20090.99 and d\u2009=\u20090.83, respectively). Moreover, the total number of kick combinations was significantly higher in 1 versus 4 compared with 1 versus 1 and 1 versus 2 (p\u2009<\u20090.001; d\u2009=\u20091.05 and d\u2009=\u20090.95, respectively). The same outcome was significantly lower in 2 m\u2009 7\u20092 m compared with 4 m\u2009 7\u20094 m and 6 m\u2009 7\u20096 m areas (p\u2009=\u20090.010 and d\u2009=\u2009-\u20090.45; p\u2009<\u20090.001 and d\u2009=\u2009-\u20090.6, respectively). The number of block-and-parry was significantly higher in 1 versus 4 compared with 1 versus 1 (p\u2009<\u20090.001, d\u2009=\u20091.45) and 1 versus 2 (p\u2009=\u20090.046, d\u2009=\u20090.61) and in 2 m\u2009 7\u20092 m compared with 4 m\u2009 7\u20094 m and 6\u2009 7\u20096 m areas (p\u2009<\u20090.001; d\u2009=\u20090.47 and d\u2009=\u20090.66, respectively). Backwards lean actions occurred more often in 2 m\u2009 7\u20092 m compared with 4 m\u2009 7\u20094 m (p\u2009=\u20090.009, d\u2009=\u20090.53) and 6 m\u2009 7\u20096 m (p\u2009=\u20090.003, d\u2009=\u20090.60). However, the number of foot defenses was significantly lower in 2 m\u2009 7\u20092 m compared with 6 m\u2009 7\u20096 m (p\u2009<\u20090.001, d\u2009=\u20091.04) and 4 m\u2009 7\u20094 m (p\u2009=\u20090.004, d\u2009=\u20090.63). Additionally, the number of clinches was significantly higher in 1 versus 1 compared with 1 versus 2 (p\u2009=\u20090.002, d\u2009=\u20090.7) and 1 versus 4 (p\u2009=\u20090.034, d\u2009=\u20090.45). Conclusions: This study provides practical insights into how to manipulate within-round sparring partners' number and/or area size to train specific kickboxing technical-tactical fundamentals. Trial registration: This study does not report results related to health care interventions using human participants and therefore it was not prospectively registered

Effects of intensified training and tapering periods using different exercise modalities on judo-specific physical test performances

This study investigated the effects of intensified training and tapering periods using different exercise modalities on judo athletes' physical fitness. Fifty-nine adolescent male and female judo athletes (age 15 ± 1 years) were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups or one control group (CG). Experimental groups (kumi-kata [KG], uchi-komi [UG] and running [RG]) trained four times per week over four weeks of intensified training (in addition to their usual technical-tactical judo training; CG underwent only the usual training) followed by 12 days of tapering. The countermovement jump test (CMJ), isometric and dynamic judogi chin-up tests (JCT), uchi-komi speed test (UST), Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT) and Judo Physical Fitness Test (JPFT) were administered before and after the intensified period and after tapering. The CMJ performance was superior in KG compared with UG, RG and CG. Isometric JCT performance was superior in KG compared with RG and CG. Regarding UST, performance was superior in UG compared with RG and CG. The same performance was superior with respect to the same groups considering pre-training to tapering change. The SJFT index did not differ between groups or time-points. The JPFT index increased after intensified and tapering periods compared with before training, with KG eliciting higher values compared with CG. Coaches and conditioning coaches could administer kumi-kata high-intensity interval training to enhance athletes' judo-specific physical fitness

Acute effects of different activity types and work-to-rest ratio on post-activation performance enhancement in young male and female Taekwondo athletes

The study assessed conditioning activities' (CAs') effects involving different work-to-rest ratios (WRR) on taekwondo athletes' physical performance. Adolescent taekwondo athletes (age: 16 ± 1 years) randomly participated in the control six experimental conditions. Each condition was composed of standard warm-up and CA composed of plyometrics (P) or repeated high-intensity techniques (RHIT) performed using three different WRR: 1:6, 1:7, self-selected rest time (SSRT). After rest, athletes performed countermovement jump (CMJ), taekwondo specific agility test (TSAT), 10 s frequency speed kick test (FSKT-10s), multiple frequency speed kick test (FSKT-mult). P1:7, SSRT induced techniques higher number in FSKT-10s (p < 0.001 for all comparisons) and lower TSAT time (p < 0.01 for all comparisons) compared with control. Kicks-number recorded during FSKT-mult was lower in the control compared with RHIT1:6 (p = 0.001), RHIT1:7 (p < 0.001), RHITSSRT (p < 0.05), P1:7 (p < 0.001), and SSRT (p < 0.001). Kicking decrement index (DI) during FSKT-mult was lower after RHIT1:6 compared with control (p = 0.008), RHIT1:7 (p = 0.031), P 1:6 (p = 0.014), PSSRT (p = 0.041). (1) P1:7 and PSSRT can be used to improve taekwondo-specific agility and kicks-number, (2) RHIT1:6 is beneficial to maintain low DI, and (3) plyometric and different WRR-repeated-techniques can enhance kicks-number

Effects of Aquatic Training in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

A variety of aquatic training regimens have been found to be beneficial for individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in multiple domains. This study investigated and compared the efficacy of two aquatic training regimens (technical vs. game-based) on gross motor skills, stereotypy behavior and emotion regulation in children with ASD. Twenty-two autistic children were randomly assigned into three groups: two experimental groups performed either a technical aquatic program or a game-based aquatic program and a control group. Participants were assessed before and after an 8-week training period, with the Test of Gross Motor Development, the stereotypy subscale of the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale, and the Emotion Regulation Checklist. A significant effect for time was found in gross motor skills and stereotypy behavior in both experimental groups. An improvement in gross motor skills was observed in both experimental groups compared to the control group. A small pre-post change effect in emotion functioning was found in all groups. No significant differences were observed between the experimental groups in all assessed variables. Our findings provide additional evidence suggesting the effectiveness of beneficial effects of aquatic activities on the motor and social skills that underpin the hypothesis that motor and intellectual domains are highly interrelated in autistic children

Relationship between Perceived Training Load, Well-Being Indices, Recovery State and Physical Enjoyment during Judo-Specific Training

This study investigated the relationship between well-being indices and the session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE), recovery (TQR), and physical enjoyment (PE) during intensified, tapering phases of judo training. Sixty-one judo athletes (37 males, ranges 14-17 years, 159-172 cm, 51-67 kg) were randomly assigned to three experimental (i.e., randori, uchi-komi, running) and control groups (regular training). Experimental groups trained four times per week for 4 weeks of intensified training followed by 12 days of tapering. Session-RPE, well-being indices (i.e., sleep, stress, fatigue, delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), Hooper index (HI)), and TQR were measured every session, whereas PE was recorded after intensified, tapering periods. Recovery (TQR) was negatively correlated with sleep, stress, fatigue, DOMS, HI, session-RPE in intensified period and was negatively correlated with sleep, stress, fatigue, DOMS, HI in tapering. Session-RPE was positively correlated with sleep, fatigue, DOMS, HI in intensified period and positively correlated with fatigue, DOMS in tapering. PE was negatively correlated with stress in intensified training. Enjoyment could be partially predicted by sleep only in intensified periods. Session-RPE could be partially predicted by TQR, fatigue during intensified periods and by sleep, and HI during tapering. Sleep, recovery state, pre-fatigue states, and HI are signals contributing to the enjoyment and internal intensity variability during training. Coaches can use these simple tools to monitor judo training

Changes in perceived exertion, well-being, and recovery during specific judo training: impact of training period and exercise modality.

The present study investigated the effect of intense and tapering training periods using different exercise modalities (i.e., Randori - grip dispute practice without throwing technique, Uchi-komi - technique repetition training, and sprinting) on rating of perceived exertion (RPE), well-being indices, recovery state, and physical enjoyment in judo athletes. Sixty-one adolescent male and female judo athletes (age: 15 \ub1 1 years) were randomly assigned to one of three experimental or one control groups. Experimental groups (Randori, Uchi-komi, and running) trained four times per week for 4 weeks of intense training (in addition to their usual technical-tactical judo training; control group underwent only such a training) followed by 12 days of tapering. RPE, well-being indices [i.e., sleep, stress, fatigue, and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)], total quality of recovery (TQR), and physical enjoyment were measured every session. RPE, sleep, stress, fatigue, DOMS, Hooper index (HI; sum of wellbeing indices), and TQR were lower in the tapering compared with the intensified training period (P < 0.001). Moreover, the running group showed better values for sleep (P < 0.001), stress (P < 0.001), fatigue (P = 0.006), DOMS (P < 0.001), and HI (P < 0.001) in comparison with the other training groups, indicating a more negative state of wellbeing. The Randori and Uchi-komi groups showed higher values for TQR and physical enjoyment (both P < 0.001) than the running group, whereas RPE was lower in the control compared with all training groups (P < 0.001). Coaches should use more specific training modalities (i.e., Randori and Uchi-komi) during intensified training and should monitor well-being indices, RPE, and TQR during training periods. Moreover, for all variables, 12 days tapering period are beneficial for improving wellbeing and recovery after 4 weeks of intense training

Effects of Biological Age on Athletic Adaptations to Combined Plyometric and Sprint with Change of Direction with Ball Training in Youth Soccer Players

There is evidence for the effectiveness of youth combined plyometric and sprint with change of direction (COD) training. However, the evidence is not well-known regarding the in-season effects of biological age (peak height velocity—PHV) on the motor adaptive processes following combined plyometric and COD with ball training (P-CODBT) in youth soccer players. This study aimed to examine the in-season effects of P-CODBT (8 weeks and twice a week) on the athletic performances of male youth soccer players, circa- and post-PHV. In a randomized controlled training study with pre-to-post measurements, forty-eight male players were assigned into two experimental (performing P-CODBT; n = 12 × circa-PHV and n = 12 × post-PHV) and two control groups (CONG; n = 12 × circa-PHV and n = 12 × post-PHV). The pre- and post-training participants were assessed for their anthropometric, linear sprinting with and without a ball, COD speed with and without a ball, vertical jump, dynamic balance, and endurance-intensive performances. After the intervention, the experimental condition induced significant (all p < 0.0001) and small to large effect size (ES = 0.263–3.471) additional gains only on explosive measures compared to CONG. Both the experimental (all p < 0.0001; ES = 0.338–1.908) and control (p = 0.011–0.0001; ES = 0.2–1.8) groups improved their athletic performances over the training period. The improvements generated by p-CODBT were not affected by biological age. In-season short-term P-CODBT (twice a week) could be safe way to generate benefits in explosive performances in youth soccer players, which are relevant components of match-winning actions in soccer

Effects of Four Weeks of Plyometric Training Performed in Different Training Surfaces on Physical Performances in School Children: Age and Sex Comparisons

Short- to middle-term plyometric training has been shown to be an effective method to promote youth fitness and health. However, there is no knowledge of previous studies that investigated the sex and age effects on physical fitness following different PT surfaces (i.e., firm vs. sand) in schoolchildren. This study examined the effects of age and sex on explosive and high-intensity responses following plyometric training (4 weeks, twice/week) performed on firm vs. sand surfaces in untrained schoolchildren. Ninety girls and ninety boys (under 8: age = 7.1 ± 0.5 and 7.1 ± 0.4 years; under 10: age = 9.0 ± 0.4 and 9.0 ± 0.5 years; under 12: age = 11.0 ± 0.5 and 11.0 ± 0.5 years, respectively) participated in a randomized and parallel training design with pre-to-post testing. Participants were allocated (i.e., 30 boys and 30 girls for each group) into either two experimental groups (firm group: performing plyometrics on a clay surface and sand group: performing plyometrics on a dry surface of 20 cm deep sand) or a control group (CG, habitual physical education classes) within their corresponding age groups. Children were tested for sprint, jumping and change of direction speed performances before and after 4 weeks of plyometric training. Both experimental groups induced more significant improvements in all assessed variables than CG (p 0.80), whereas both surfaces induced similar improvements (p > 0.05). Older boys achieved better performances than their younger counterparts (p < 0.05) and older girls (p < 0.0001), respectively. This finding showed that age and sex could affect explosive and high-intensity performances during childhood after a short-term plyometric training. In contrast, the training-induced fitness changes were not influenced by the type of surface