Zróżnicowanie budowy somatycznej oraz poziomu potencjału motorycznego zawodników sekcji mieszane sztuki walki (MMA) i brazylijskiego jiu-jitsu (BJJ)

The aim of the research was to assess the differentiation of the body structure and the level of motor potential of the athletes practising different disciplines in the field of combat sports in Legion Team Sports Club in Tarnów. The athletes, aged 19-20, with training experience of 3-5 years, were compared in two groups. The first group consisted of athletes practising mixed martial arts, so called MMA, and the other group, of athletes practising Brazilian ju-jitsu, so called BJJ. 30 practitioners were examined. The basic elements of the somatic structure, i.e. body height, body weight, body fat content and BMI were measured and BMI indexes were calculated. Selected manifestations of motor potential were also measured: static balance, plain reaction time to a visual stimulus, trunk flexibility, static strength of forearms, relative strength, explosive strength of lower limbs, MAW, muscle activation speed and resistance of abdominal muscles to fatigue as anaerobic strength. In the course of the analyses it was found that: the body structure of the athletes training in different combat sports sections does not significantly differentiate them. The athletes in both (BJJ and MMA) sections displayed a similar level of the basic somatic build. The level of motor skills in the BJJ and MMA sections significantly differentiated the athletes in these sections in terms of static strength (p = 0.045), relative strength (p = 0.044) and fatigue resistance, i.e. anaerobic strength (p = 0.002). The higher level of these elements of motor skills was demonstrated by the BJJ section athletes.Celem badań była ocena zróżnicowania budowy ciała i poziomu sprawności motorycznej zawodników uprawiających w KS Legion Team Tarnów odmienne dyscypliny w zakresie sportów walki. Zawodników w wieku 19-20 lat, o stażu treningowym 3-5 lat, zestawiono porównawczo w dwóch grupach. Pierwsza grupę stanowili zawodnicy uprawiający mieszane sztuki waliki tzw. MMA, a drugą trenujący brazylijskie ju-jitsu tzw. BJJ. Zbadano 30 zawodników. Wykonano pomiary podstawowych cech budowy somatycznej, takich jak: wysokość ciała, masa ciała, procentowa zawartość tkanki tłuszczowej oraz wyliczono wskaźniki BMI. Zmierzono także wybrane przejawy potencjału motorycznego: równowagę statyczną, czas reakcji prostej na bodziec wzrokowy, gibkość tułowia, siłę statyczną przedramion, siłę względną, siłę eksplozywną kończyn dolnych, MPA, szybkość mobilizacji mięśni i odporność mięśni brzucha na zmęczenie, jako wytrzymałość anaerobową. W toku analiz stwierdzono, że budowa ciała zawodników trenujących w odmiennych sekcjach sportów walki nie różnicuje ich istotnie. Zawodnicy obu sekcji (BJJ i MMA) prezentowali podobny poziom podstawowych cech budowy somatycznej. Poziom sprawności motorycznej w sekcjach BJJ i MMA znacząco różnicował zawodników tych sekcji w zakresie siły statycznej (p = 0,045), siły względnej (p = 0,044) i odporności na zmęczenie, czyli wytrzymałości anaerobowej (p = 0,002). Wyższy poziom tych aspektów sprawności motorycznej prezentowali zawodnicy sekcji BJJ

The Use of Neurofeedback in Sports Training: Systematic Review

Biofeedback training is a method commonly used in various fields of life, for example, in medicine, sports training or business. In recent studies, it has been shown that biofeedback, and neurofeedback, can affect the performance of professional athletes. Training based on the neurofeedback method includes exercising the brain waves. The aim of the article is to evaluate the influence of neurofeedback training on the physical fitness of professional athletes representing various sports disciplines, such as judo, volleyball and soccer. Based on 10 scientific papers from various sources, including PubMed, the latest research on neurofeedback and its impact on athletes has been reviewed. On the basis of the literature review from 2012 to 2022 on the neurofeedback method in sports training, it can be stated that this type of practice has a significant impact on physical fitness and sports performance. This review comprised 10 research studies with 491 participants in the neurofeedback groups, and 62 participants in the control group. Two reviewers independently extracted data and evaluated the quality of the studies utilising the PEDro scale. Properly planned and conducted neurofeedback training affects stimulation and improvement of many variables (reducing stress levels, increasing the ability to self-control physiological factors, enhancing behavioural efficiency and meliorating the speed of reaction to a stimulus)

Gait Parameters of Elite Kickboxing Athletes

Background: Correct movement techniques are crucial for enhancing athletic performance and minimizing the risk of injury. This is particularly true for kickboxing, in which a variety of forms of locomotion are employed. Despite its importance, gait and movement analysis in this sport is under-researched. The primary objective of this study is to understand gait patterns and limb symmetry between the dominant and non-dominant legs among professional kickboxers and to explore their correlation with the level of technical and tactical preparation. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 20 elite kickboxers. Data collection employed the 3D Force Treadmill for gait parameters, as well as simulated sparring sessions to evaluate technical–tactical indices. Various gait parameters were analyzed, including the center of pressure (COP), gait phase, spatial and time parameters, as well as reaction force. Results: No significant bilateral differences were found in the majority of gait variables. Exceptions were in the medio-lateral component of the COP and force, where more deviation was observed in the non-dominant foot. The only noted significant correlation was between lateral symmetry and attack activity. Conclusions: This study allows us to indicate that kickboxers’ training promotes symmetrical gait patterns. Targeted training interventions could further optimize these patterns. The significant relationship between lateral symmetry and attack activity suggests areas for future research and potential performance improvement. The results of this study contribute to athletes’ self-monitoring and coaching strategies

Comparison of the Physical Fitness Profile of Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Athletes with Reference to Training Experience

Background: In combat sports, successful competition and training require comprehensive motor fitness. The aim of this study was to diagnose the level of physical fitness and to determine the level of differences between athletes of combat sports characterized by stand-up fighting, such as Muay Thai; and ground fighting, such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Methods: The study examined and compared 30 participants divided into two equal groups: Muay Thai athletes (n = 15; age: 24.24 ± 3.24; body height: 174.91 ± 5.19; body weight: 77.56 ± 7.3), and Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) (n = 15; age: 22.82 ± 1.81; body height: 175.72 ± 7.03; body weight: 77.11 ± 8.12). Basic characteristics of the somatic build were measured. Selected manifestations of the motor potential of motor skills were also evaluated using selected tests from the EUROFIT test battery, the International Test of Physical Fitness, and computer tests of coordination skills. Relative strength and maximal anaerobic work (MAW) indices were calculated. The strength of the relationship between the effect of motor fitness and training experience was also assessed. Results: The athletes of both groups (Muay Thai and BJJ) presented similar levels of basic characteristics of the somatic build. Motor fitness in the tested groups showed significant differences between the athletes of these sports in static strength (p = 0.010), relative strength (p = 0.006), arm muscle strength in pull-ups (p = 0.035), and functional strength in bent arm hanging (p = 0.023). Higher levels of these components of motor fitness were found for the athletes in the BJJ athletes. In the Muay Thai group, significant very high strength of association was found between training experience and five strength tests. Furthermore, a significantly high strength of association was found in two tests. In the BJJ group, significant relationships with very high correlation were found between the variables in five strength tests. Conclusions: Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes performed better in strength tests (static strength, relative strength, shoulder girdle strength, functional strength). High correlations between the training load and the level of physical fitness were found in flexibility and strength tests in BJJ athletes and most strength tests in Muay Thai athletes