Biomechanical Profile after Dry Needling in Mixed Martial Arts

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of dry needling (DN) intervention on the responses of muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity, as well as power, pressure pain thresholds, and blood perfusion of the flexor carpi radialis muscle in mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes. Thirty-two trained/developmental men MMA fighters (25.5±4.5 years; 24.5±3 body mass index) participated in a randomized crossover study. Participants underwent a single intervention, receiving both DN and placebo. Laser Doppler flowmetry measured blood perfusion, while a myotonometer assessed the mechanical characteristics of muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity of the flexor carpi radialis muscle. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were measured using an algometer, and maximal forearm muscle force was measured using a hand dynamometer. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, immediately after, and 24 hours and 48 hours post-intervention. A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant Intervention*Time interaction for all outcomes: perfusion unit (p<0.001), muscle tone (p<0.001), stiffness (p<0.001), elasticity (p<0.001), PPT (p<0.001) and maximal forearm muscle force (p<0.001). The current study suggests that a single session of DN enhances muscle recovery, increases muscle strength, and improved PPT in MMA athletes. These positive adaptations appear to last up to 48 hours in some variables.

Acute Effects of the Dry Needling Session on Gastrocnemius Muscle Biomechanical Properties, and Perfusion with Latent Trigger Points - A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial in Mixed Martial Arts Athletes

The study aimed to evaluate the immediate effects of a dry needling (DN) therapy session on biomechanical properties, muscle power, perfusion, and pressure pain threshold of the gastrocnemius muscle with latent trigger points. Twenty mixed martial arts athletes (MMA) were randomly divided into two groups: experimental (eDN, n = 10) and sham (qDN, n = 10) to undergo one session of DN either with a real or a qazi needle. The measurements were taken at rest, 1-5 minutes after the DN (Post1-5min) and 24h after the DN (Post24h). DN significantly increased the muscle perfusion (Post1-5min and Post24h, p < 0.001), reduced its tone (Post1-5min and Post24h, p < 0.001) and stiffness (Post1-5min, p < 0.05; Post24 h, p < 0.001), and improved its elasticity (Post1-5min and Post24h, p < 0.001). DN also caused a significant increase in pressure pain threshold (Post1-5min, p < 0.001; Post24h, p < 0.05) and in muscle power (Post24h, p < 0.01). The DN session increased the blood perfusion and improved the biomechanical properties of the gastrocnemius muscle, which led to improved muscle power. The DN also had an analgesic effect. These effects were maintained at 24 h, which suggests that DN could facilitate muscle recovery in a post-exercise period of MMA athletes.

Immediate Effect of Cryo-Compression Therapy on Biomechanical Properties and Perfusion of Forearm Muscles in Mixed Martial Arts Fighters

Mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters use their arms and hands for striking with the fists, grappling, and defensive techniques, which puts a high load on the forearms and hand muscles. New methods are needed to decrease the risk of injury and increase the effectiveness of regeneration. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of cryo-compression (CC) therapy of different times (3 and 6 min) on forearm muscles in MMA fighters by investigating muscle pain, stiffness, tension, elasticity strength, and perfusion. Twenty professional male MMA fighters aged 26.5 ± 4.5 years, with training experience of 10.3 ± 5.0 years, were enrolled on an experimental within-group study design. The participants underwent CC therapy at a temperature of 3 °C and compression of 75 mmHg for 3 min and, in the second session, for 6 min. The investigated parameters were in the following order: (1) perfusion in non-reference units (PU), (2) muscle tone (T-[Hz]), (3) stiffness (S-[N/m]), (4) elasticity (E-[arb]), (5) pressure pain threshold (PPT-[N/cm]), and (6) maximum isometric force (Fmax [kgf]) at two time points: (1) at rest-2 min before CC therapy (pre) and (2) 2 min after CC therapy (post). There were significant differences between 3 and 6 min of CC therapy for PU and T. Meanwhile, F, E, PPT, and S were significantly different when comparing pre- to post-conditions. These results provide evidence that CC therapy is a stimulus that significantly affects parameters characterizing muscle biomechanical properties, pain threshold, strength, and tissue perfusion.

Effect of rapid weight loss on mood states and burnout of Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes during a competitive process

The current study aimed to analyze the psychological alterations resulting from rapid weight loss in the mood states and burnout of male Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes. For the purpose of this study, 31 Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes participated, divided into two groups (RWLG: rapid weight loss group and CG: control group). Data collections were performed at three moments (1: baseline, before weight loss; 2: weigh-in, during the official competition; and 3: recovery, 7 to 10 days after the competition), with application of the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) and Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ). Considering the outcomes, for body mass, the athletes from RWLG presented mean reductions of 3.5 kg (4.2% of the initial body mass). For mood states, both groups (RWLG and CG) presented a moment effect for tension and confusion, with higher levels during weigh-in compared to baseline and recovery (p < 0.05). For burnout, both groups showed low levels of burnout, with no effect of moment, group, or interaction in the analyses (p > 0.05). Based on these results, it is concluded that weight loss, in the magnitude performed in this study, did not generate an additional impact on mood or level of burnout in Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes during a competitive process.

Anthropometrics, Performance, and Psychological Outcomes in Mixed Martial Arts Athletes

The digit ratio (2D:4D) is related to prenatal testosterone (T) and sports performance. Few investigations have explored 2D:4D in determining the potential performance of individuals in power-based sports, specifically combat sports. This study compared 2D:4D between mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes and non-athletes and investigated the association between (1) handgrip strength (HGS) and lean body mass (LBM) with 2D:4D in MMA athletes and (2) psychometric variables and 2D:4D in MMA athletes and non-athletes. In total, 122 men participated in this study (53 non-athletes, 45 professionals, and 24 amateur fighters). The 2D:4D was measured using a caliper, HGS was assessed with a dynamometer, and psychometric variables were evaluated using questionnaires. Athletes displayed significantly (p < 0.05) lower median values of right (0.95 ± 0.04) and left (0.96 ± 0.03) 2D:4D in comparison with non-athletes, (0.97 ± 0.03) and (0.99 ± 0.03), respectively. We observed that left hand 2D:4D was negatively correlated with HGS (r = −0.43; p < 0.05) and lean body mass (r = −0.49; p < 0.05) in professional athletes. Professional athletes also displayed significant differences (* p < 0.05; ** p < 0.001) in psychometric variables compared to non-athletes for (1) agreeableness **, median values (interquartile range) = −0.11 (−0.19−0.07) and 0.2 (−0.09−0.33), respectively; (2) anger **, mean ± standard error = 2.40 ± 0.12 and 2.89 ± 0.89, respectively; and (3) openness *, mean ± standard error = 0.17 ± 0.04 and −0.006 ± 0.04, respectively. However, we did not observe an association between psychometric variables or wins with 2D:4D. In conjunction with other measures, 2D:4D is valuable in determining the potential athleticism of an MMA athlete.

Maximum Isometric and Dynamic Strength of Mixed Martial Arts Athletes According to Weight Class and Competitive Level

Mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes must achieve high strength levels to face the physical demands of an MMA fight. This study compared MMA athletes' maximal isometric and dynamic strength according to the competitive level and weight class. Twenty-one male MMA athletes were divided into lightweight professional (LWP; n = 9), lightweight elite (LWE; n = 4), heavyweight professional (HWP; n = 4), and heavyweight elite (HWE; n = 4). The handgrip and isometric lumbar strength tests assessed the isometric strength, and the one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press and 4RM leg press the dynamic strength. Univariate ANOVA showed differences between groups in absolute and relative 1RM bench press and absolute isometric lumbar strength. Post hoc tests showed differences in 1RM bench press between HWE and LWE (117.0 ± 17.8 kg vs. 81.0 ± 10.0 kg) and HWE and LWP athletes (117.0 ± 17.8 kg vs. 76.7 ± 13.7 kg; 1.5 ± 0.2 kg·BW-1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.2 kg·BW-1). In addition, there was a correlation between 1RM bench press and isometric lumbar strength for absolute (r = 0.67) and relative values (r = 0.50). This study showed that the 1RM bench press and isometric lumbar strength were associated and could differentiate MMA athletes according to their competitive level and weight class. Therefore, optimizing the force production in the upper body and lower back seems important in elite and professional MMA athletes.

Exploratory Systematic Review of Mixed Martial Arts: An Overview of Performance of Importance Factors with over 20,000 Athletes

This review aimed to analyze the findings in the literature related to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) through an exploratory systematic review and to present the state of the art from a multifactorial perspective. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement, with a search performed in the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. Participants were competitive athletes (amateurs or professionals) of regional, national, or international levels. Of the 2763 registries identified, 112 studies met the eligibility criteria. The pooled sample size and age were 20,784 participants, with a mean age of 27.7 ± 6 years for male and 28.9 ± 3 years for female, with the vast majority of athletes being male (94.9%). MMA athletes were 17.2% amateurs, 73.8% professionals, and 9% were not reported. The scientific literature related to MMA reported injuries (n = 28), weight loss (n = 21), technical and tactical analysis (n = 23), physical fitness (n = 8), physiological responses and training characteristics (n = 13), psychobiological parameters (n = 12), and interventions applied to MMA athletes (n = 7). Therefore, this exploratory systematic review presents practitioners and researchers with seven broad summaries of each facet of performance of importance in this population of athletes.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN LEVELS OF SPORTS PARTICIPATION AND ORAL INJURIES AMONG COMBAT ATHLETES

ABSTRACT Introduction Oral injuries are common traumas in combat sports due to the aggressive nature of both offense and defense. Sports mouth guards are made to reduce the risk of traumatic face and jaw injuries and concussions during sports activities. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of oral injuries in combat sports and to examine the association between participation levels and percentage of injury occurrence. Methods One hundred and eight participants (mean age: 22.42 ± 2.162 years) who were involved in sparring events were recruited. Data were collected using a questionnaire consisting of 22 questions about the demographic profile of the athletes, their injury experience and type of injuries sustained, awareness and use of mouth guards in sports activities. Descriptive analysis, Chi-square test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied for data analysis. Results Almost 77% of participants had experienced oral injuries during sports activities and nearly 90% were aware that oral injuries can be reduced by using mouth guards. In addition, 52.7% of participants complained that the mouth guard is not comfortable to use during sports activities. Findings revealed a significant moderate association between levels of participation and number of oral injuries ( p = 0.013). One-way ANOVA showed a significant mean difference in the rate of oral injury for the four levels of participation groups F (3, 104) = 6.21, p = 0.011. Post-hoc comparisons using the Bonferroni test indicated a significant mean difference between university-state levels ( p = 0.033) and university-national levels ( p = 0.028). Conclusion This study revealed that higher levels of participation in sports have a higher risk of injury. It was also found that the discomfort of using a mouth guard can be reduced if the coaches make the athletes wear proper mouth guards that follow the recommended specifications. Level of evidence IIIb; Case control study.

Dynamics of cognitive performance at rest and after exhaustive exercise in top-three world-ranked mixed martial arts athletes: a series of case studies

Cognitive performance plays a key role in sports performance, especially in combat sports such as mixed martial arts (MMA). Studies with active and sedentary individuals showed either no change or decreased cognitive performance during or immediately after exercise. However, it is possible that elite MMA athletes would present preserved/improved cognitive performance after exhaustive exercise. In this series of cases studies, we tested this hypothesis by submitting three elite MMA athletes from the Bellator MMA® and UFC® to a cognitive assessment before, immediately after and 15 min after exhaustive exercise. A modified computerized version of the Stroop Test was used to test cognitive inhibition performance, from which reaction time (RT) and accuracy were obtained. The athletes performed an incremental exercise on a cycle simulator until volitional exhaustion. Immediately after exercise RT improved consistently in all three athletes (-6.5%; -8.0%; -15.0%), while accuracy presented a small increase (2.6%), decreases (-3.8%) or no change. Fifteen minutes after exercise, RT remained improved in two athletes (-9.1% and -15.5) or slightly increased (0.4%), while accuracy presented small increase in all athletes (0.5%; 1.3%; 2.1%) compared to pre-exercise. This result indicates that elite MMA athletes may present improved cognitive performance immediately after exhaustive exercise, which suggests that cognitive-motor training for MMA should be considered when planning a training program.

The Multimodal Nature of High-Intensity Functional Training: Potential Applications to Improve Sport Performance

Training for sports performance requires the development of multiple fitness components within the same program. In this context, training strategies that have the potential to concomitantly enhance metabolic and musculoskeletal fitness are of great value for athletes and coaches. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the current studies on high-intensity functional training (HIFT) and to assess how HIFT could be utilized in order to improve sport-specific performance. Studies on untrained and recreationally-active participants have led to positive results on aerobic power and anaerobic capacity, and muscular endurance, while results on muscular strength and power are less clear. Still, HIFT sessions can elicit high levels of metabolic stress and resistance training exercises are prescribed with parameters that can lead to improvements in muscular endurance, hypertrophy, strength, and power. As similar training interventions have been shown to be effective in the athletic population, it is possible that HIFT could be a time-efficient training intervention that can positively impact athletes’ performances. While the potential for improvements in fitness and performance with HIFT is promising, there is a clear need for controlled studies that employ this training strategy in athletes in order to assess its effectiveness in this population.